The High Desert Friends of NRA has just announced the annual Friends of NRA banquet set for March 29 at the Riverhouse Convention Center in Bend. The group offers that the mission of The Friends of NRA, a grassroots fund-raising program, is to “introduce and affirm the rights and privileges of lawful gun ownership to hometown America.”
Designing their meeting around the tradition of the original town meetings, and organized by community volunteers from every walk of life, the High Desert Friends of NRA say these events provide participants an opportunity to stand up for the 2nd Amendment and enjoy the camaraderie of other law-abiding gun owners. Proceeds from these fund-raising events will be used at the local, state and national level to perpetuate firearms ownership for hunting, shooting, collecting, home protection and all other legal purposes.
Committee Chair Jennifer Babcock stated, “This is an exciting year for our committee as we will be joined by the current NRA president Jim Porter, Former NRA President Sandy Froman and NRA board member Bob Nosler. All our guests are huge supporters of our Friends of NRA efforts and what we accomplish across the nation, particularly for the shooting sports in Central Oregon.
“Friends of NRA events are indeed vital to supporting the mission of providing responsible firearm safety and training.
The funds raised are not used in a political fashion, but truly benefits the development of rifle ranges, education of the use and safety of firearms through 4-H, youth hunter education, Olympic junior shooting competitions, Women on Target programs and so much more. In our local area, Central Oregon Shooting Sports Association, Youth Hunter Education Challenge, Redmond Rod and Gun Club Women on Target, and Redmond High School ROTC program have been funded through grants given out from our fundraising efforts.
“Not only is our event a great fund raising tool, but it also provides our guests with the opportunity to meet fellow 2nd Amendment supporters, play a few games, and maybe even take home limited edition NRA firearms, unique and valuable collectibles, and other outdoor sporting equipment and accessories.
Because women are a rapidly growing influence in 2nd Amendment rights, self- defense, and outdoor activities, we feature women related items in our auctions and games. “Our Friends of NRA program is the true backbone to the shooting sports in our state; putting funds in programs that matter most to help educate and preserve our shooting heritage. As a former competitive shooter and employee of Nosler Inc., it gives me great pleasure being a part of this program as a way to give back to a sport.“
In addition, Babcock eagerly stated, “This is an extremely wonderful opportunity to have our NRA president Jim Porter who has done so much for the shooting sports at our event, this makes two years in a row we’ve been fortunate to have the NRA president come to our event and visit Central Oregon.”
Jennifer Babcock at highdesertfriendsofnra@yahoo.com or 541-974-3555.
