Outside the Great American Outdoor Show, a polar vortex sent icy winds to whip around the convention center. However, inside the NRA Foundation banquet, sponsored by Henry Repeating Arms, all was warm with the fellowship of Second Amendment enthusiasts gathered under the banner of a common cause: the future of the shooting sports.
All of the profits from this banquet—and others like it—are funneled into supporting firearms training, youth shooting teams and programs like the Youth Education Summit. It's easy to see why the support of everyday people is so important to the future of the shooting sports...but the banquet was also about having fun, and getting to know like-minded people.
Henry Repeating Arms president Anthony Imperato kicked off the proceedings by honoring three very special classes of people who dedicate their lives to protect our freedoms with a gift of a special Henry Golden Boy rifle. First, he called to the stage three firearm instructors, then three first responders. Then, in a moment that left many attendees in awe, veterans from each conflict going back all the way to World War II.
But what's a banquet without food and fun? Diners feasted on delicious home-cooked barbecue as, all around them, thousands of dollars worth of awesome donated prizes were up for grabs in a special silent auction. Everything from Henry .30-30s, to crossbows, to Remington R1911 handguns, to handmade household decorations was available for prices a fraction of their value.
The excitement ramped up as the live auction got underway. Jesse James, of West Coast Choppers fame, announced the live auction with one of the evening's must-haves: a handmade 1911 in a handcrafted presentation case, personally designed by James himself. Other fabulous items included a Kimber Pro Carry, a 10-day Namibian safari, more Henry rifles and a dizzying array of gear.
All told, the banquet was a smashing success, raising $110,000 to support the shooting sports...and allowing attendees a golden chance to spend time with folks who share their values and dedication.
