Friends of the NRA-I need YOUR help!

[Guest Rugerman]

All,

I live in Dayton, TN and have been in talks with Mike Webb of the Friends of the NRA about having a banquet in the area. I realize there have been such events in Chattanooga and Crossville, but there has been little to my small amount of knowledge done in the more rural areas of the southeast TN valley area. In talking with Mike, I have told him I would like to get one started here, and am looking for volunteers to help me get the ball rolling and to have a meeeting with him. I don't want to call this a "Rhea Co." or "Dayton" event, I want to openly invite anyone who is willing to drive to this area to help out and attend. So my question is, who wants to step up to the plate and help out with this banquet, to raise money for our future firearms owners and shooters of tennessee?

If you are unsure what this organization is about, here is some info from their website:

What is Friends of NRA?

Friends of NRA is an exciting grassroots fund-raising program that fosters community involvement, raises money and gives 100% of the net proceeds to qualified local, state and national programs. Thanks to dedicated individuals across America, Friends of NRA is making a difference. Working with NRA's Field Staff, thousands of volunteers nationwide are participating in the program by organizing committees and planning events in their communities.

What can I expect at a Friends of NRA Event?

The format is simple-food, fun, family and fund-raising. Whether you are a hunter, competitive shooter or just a proud gun owner, Friends of NRA events have something of interest for the entire family. Events include dinner followed by exciting auctions and special drawings for unique and collectible merchandise. Attendees bid on items from the standard Friends of NRA merchandise package, as well as special products and services donated to specific events by local businesses and community members. "Friends of NRA merchandise includes very desirable limited edition firearms, wildlife art from popular artists, jewelry, and shooting sports, hunting and outdoor equipment. Events offer every participant an opportunity to take home valuable merchandise and enjoyable memories," said Rich D'Alauro, NRA Senior Field Representative for lower New York, upper New Jersey, Connecticut and Rhode Island.

How are event funds distributed?

All net proceeds benefit The NRA Foundation, with half allocated to fund projects within the state where the money was raised. The NRA Foundation uses the other half to fund similar projects with a national scope. Friends of NRA committee volunteers are appointed to a State Fund Committee and make recommendations for local grant funding. To date, The NRA Foundation has funded more than 15,000 state fund grants for a total of $100 million, including but not limited to: youth firearms safety and education programs; hunter education; range development and improvement; support materials for training classes; women's safety classes; and wildlife conservation efforts. Recognizing that America's young people represent the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committee grants frequently target youth programs, allocating more than 50% of grant monies to this important area.

I need volunteers who are willing to help with organizing such an event. Please PM me or respond in this thread if interested.

[Guest Crunchman]

I wish you great sucess in your endeavor, Rugerman. I was a committee member last year and am co-chair this year for the Forked Deer FNRA. We cover Madison county and the surrounding rural areas, though we get people from Shelby county all the way to the river. Mike Webb is a fine man to work with and a real go-getter.

If you care to, send me an email or PM and we can bounce ideas off each other.

[Guest Rugerman]

Thanks for your reply. I will send you an email within the next few days.

[Guest GLOCKGUY]

Rugerman count me in.

[Guest Rugerman]

Rugerman count me in.

Thanks, Glockguy. Way to step up.

Any others?

[strickj]

I would be more then happy to attend a banquet or whatever

[Guest Rugerman]

Strickj is going to help out and be on committee to organize this as well. This is great, guys. Still some spots to fill!