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Friends of the NRA hold banquet |
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Sunday, 20 July 2008 |
 Auctioneer Bob Britton leads the live auction during Saturday's Allegheny Highlands Friends of the NRA banquet. By Greg Reedy
The Allegheny Highlands Friends of the NRA held its 6th annual banquet Saturday night at the Royal Inn in Ridgway.
The evening was filled with many items to be won. Before dinner, those in attendance had a chance to preview the live auction items as well as bid in a silent auction on various items.
NRA Field Representative C. Thomas Baldrige welcomed everyone and led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance and then gave the invocation.
After a prime rib and lobstertail dinner, committee chairman Ken Haupricht read the names of the sponsors for this year's banquet and, along with Baldrige, presented checks.
The first check was accepted by Jon Heatherdale and Jack Pistner of the Ridgway Rifle Club for the Rifle Club's junior shooting team. A check was also presented to Tom Mattiuz and Debbie Agosti for Fox Township Sportsmen's Club in appreciation with their efforts in starting the Elk County Scholastic Trap League this past spring.
A check was also presented to Doug Tyger for his help with the Royal Rangers. Nationally, 22,000 children are in junior programs through the Royal Rangers.
There was a live auction with auctioneer Bob Britton. Overall, the items were sold for a grand total of $10,845. The "Gun of the Year" was the overall top seller, going for $1,425. Another gun went for $1,050 and a one-of-a-kind Case Cutlery knife went for $900.
Baldrige announced a change in dispersing the funds raised by these banquets. The funds will now be dispersed in Pennsylvania by region, east and west. Baldrige expressed excitement knowing funds raised here will be used to aid youth shooting in this region.
"This area is a leader in raising funds," Baldrige said. "Now more of your money will stay here."
The banquet committee was co-chaired by Fred Kielbowick. Paul Fleming was the secretary and Tom Kerek. Jeff Buchheit of Smith's Sport Store was the gun dealer and Jon Heatherdale was the merchandise chairman.
The committee is also made up of Bob Dorrion, Tom Fullem, Bill Kline, Chris Kline, Joe Gruesu, Rose Koch, Gene Lingenfelter, Alan Lingenfelter, Kevin Menendez, James Miller and Les Shull.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 31 July 2008 )
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