Rabyn Ratliff
LAKE PARK – The Seventh Annual Sporting Clay Shoot was a great success Saturday, despite the threat of cloudy skies.
More than 120 participants came out to the Southwind Sporting Clays and Quail Hunting Preserve in five-man teams, along with family members, friends and sponsorship supporters of the Children’s Advocacy Center.
Clay shooters trailed nearly 250 of the 2000 acre preserve in friendly competition with other teams from area businesses, banks and various organizations. Youngsters roamed the cabin areas in camouflage jackets and jeans with their mothers, enjoying the food, fun and raffles and cheering as their brothers and fathers returned from a round in the thick woods.
“I’m here with my friend to support his son’s team. I don’t even know how to shoot a gun, but I’ve enjoyed being out and meeting everyone. It’s been great fun and look forward to coming back again,” said Mary Gray, 70.
CAC Executive Director Laurie Bajalia was present, speaking with participants and handling many of the raffle giveaways.
“We really didn’t expect everyone to come out today because of the weather forecast, but the turnout has been great. This is our biggest fund-raiser of the year and one of the most essential because it provides unrestricted funds for the organization,” Bajalia said. “ Because the United Way supports so many organizations, we only receive about 5 percent of our support from United Way. The remainder of funding comes from grants and fund-raisers. Still, with grants, the money is given for specific programs and purposes, but we still have a need to purchase therapy supplies and items for the children that we can’t write into a grant.”
The CAC set a goal of $20,000 for the event and, with more than 41 individual and business sponsors and many skeet shoot participants, Bajalia hopes to reach the goal.
Southwind owner John Peek was pleased to have the CAC use his course and facilities and said the event turnout was one of the largest ever.
“Each year we have this event and another one for the Sheriffs Boys Ranch and I enjoy being able to offer the course because both events support very worthwhile causes in our community. This year the turnout was absolutely fantastic, even with the weather. Even going into it, this year was the largest pre-registration we’ve ever had,” Peek said.
As team participants competed for the grand prize of a free day on the sporting clay course and participated in a gun raffle, many said the event was more about having a good time and supporting a great cause, rather than a sporting competition.
“The CAC is a good organization for children that have been abused and anything we can do to make those kids lives better, we’re willing to do. This is our second year participating and the turnout was just as great as last year. As far as shooting goes, we did alright today, but we could have done better, but we’re just glad to be able to help this local organization.” said property manager Rouse Vallotton.
