The third annual Benelli USA Invitational Shoot drew 152 shooters from within the outdoor industry and raised more than $55,000 for Freedom Hunters on Friday, Sept. 15.
Held at the Prince George's County Trap and Skeet Center in Glenn Dale, Maryland, the shoot brought active duty military personnel, veterans; Freedom Hunters participants from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and other shotgunners from the region together for a competitive sporting clays shoot. Further funds were raised through a silent auction and raffle, with all proceeds directly benefiting Freedom Hunters.
Freedom Hunters is a military outreach program whose mission is to convey the outdoor community's appreciation for the dedication of and sacrifices made by the men and women of the Armed Forces. Through the support of numerous groups and companies, including Benelli USA, Freedom Hunters arranges outdoor adventures and opportunities for active duty and combat veterans, as well as families of fallen heroes and children of deployed.
"Benelli USA is proud to partner with Freedom Hunters to take active duty and wounded service members out hunting and fishing," said Benelli USA General Manager Tom Debolt. "We are passionate about the outdoors and understand the importance of giving back to the men and women who serve our country. I'm proud of the effort our team members made this year to raise a record amount of funds to support this worthy cause"
Individual high scores for the third annual Benelli USA Invitational Shoot include high lady shooter Dorothea Clevenger (score 54). High Freedom Hunter shooter Sgt. Patrick Kabay (score 57). The team of Brandon Geweke, Marty Geweke, Joe Kukla Sr. and Joe Kukla Jr. won the overall team competition with a combined score of 262.
For more information, go to FreedomHunters.org.