Benelli Helps Fund BSA Shooting Sports Facility

Benelli USA recently partnered with the Baltimore Area Council, Boy Scouts of America for the council's Diamond Anniversary Capital Campaign to raise funds for range improvements at the 1,700-acre Broad Creek Memorial Scout Reservation in Whiteford, Md. The campaign's goal was to raise $40,000 "to improve the shooting sports infrastructure to ensure every Scout has a positive experience in learning the safe handling of a firearm."

Benelli USA stepped up with a $20,000 challenge grant, wherein Benelli matched contributions up to $20,000. Further, donors of $5,000 or more received a Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 shotgun for their gift to the campaign.

“The objective of our participation in the Baltimore Area Council, BSA campaign, as with several other philanthropic efforts we have recently been involved in, was to provide goodwill to some smaller groups that felt a significant financial strain during the COVID years,” said Tom DeBolt, Benelli USA general manager. “While support for wildlife conservation and habitat improvement is a large focus for us, so is shepherding the next generation of shooters and hunting enthusiasts. While it may be a cliché, it is also true … the seeds we plant today will bear fruit tomorrow. And that is something we must never lose sight of.”

The Diamond Anniversary Capital Campaign proved to be a huge success, with Benelli's product and matching gift challenge raising more than $53,000 to build a new five-stand shotgun range at the Broad Creek Memorial Scout Reservation.

Kenn Miller, Scout Executive/CEO for the Baltimore Area Council said, “ … we are pleased to partner with Benelli in the continued development of our shooting sports program. We know that for many of our Scouts, their first exposure to shooting sports is during their time at Scout Camp. It is only through corporate partnerships such as this that we can keep the cost for a youth to attend summer camp low, while providing a first-class facility and experience for our Scouts.”