Benelli USA Invitational Raises $55,000 for Freedom Hunters

by
posted on September 21, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
benelli_lede.jpg
The third annual Benelli USA Invitational Shoot drew 152 shooters from within the outdoor industry and across the region to raise more than $55,000 for Freedom Hunters to support outdoor opportunities for active duty and combat veterans.


American Rifleman's Mark Keefe chose the new Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 for the event.

The Benelli USA Invitational Shoot took place on Friday, Sept. 15, 2017 at Prince George's County Trap and Skeet Center in Glenn Dale, Md. Attendees included active duty military personnel, veterans, Freedom Hunters participants from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and other shotgunners from the region who competed in a sporting clays shoot. Following the shoot competitors enjoyed lunch and participated in a silent auction and raffle, whose proceeds also went to Freedom Hunters.

At the conclusion of the event, Benelli USA Executive Team General Manager Tom DeBolt, Chief Financial Officer Phyllis Blacknall-Jones, and Vice President of Brand Marketing Tim Joseph presented a check for $55,000 raised from monetary donations, silent auction bids, and the raffle to Freedom Hunters.

"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."

Latest

4 MAT 49 Viet Minh The French National Forces Paratroopers
4 MAT 49 Viet Minh The French National Forces Paratroopers

The MAT-49: France's Mid-20th Century SMG

After World War II, the French military was left with a hodgepodge of leftover submachine guns. After several years, the army consolidated on a standard service rifle, the MAS-49, and a standard submachine gun: the MAT-49.

New for 2026: Pedersoli 1805 Baker Rifle

Pedersoli now offers an authentically styled 1805 Baker Rifle for collectors, re-enactors and enthusiasts.

Gun of the Week: Benelli M4 EXT Tactical Shotgun

Benelli's semi-automatic workhorse shotgun continues to evolve and improve.

The Armed Citizen® Feb. 6, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

New for 2026: Tool Collections from Real Avid

Real Avid just released some new tool collections to help with cleaning, optics mounting and other firearm-related chores.

Review: Bersa M2XI Pistol

The M2XI represents a new area for Argentinian firearm manufacturer Bersa, and this budget 2011 shoots above its price point.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.