Friends of the NRA banquet

At least 20 firearms and a number of other items will be on the auction block during the ninth annual Hot Springs County Friends of NRA (National Rifle Association) Banquet on Saturday, Sept. 17 at the Days Inn.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for games and a social hour. Dinner will be served beginning at 7 p.m. featuring baron of beef and ham. Members of NRA and nonmembers are welcome to attend.

The evening will include games, raffles, and live and silent auctions that will include firearms, merchandise and framed décor. Firearms will include the Friends of the NRA Gun of the Year a Montana Rifle American Legends .300 Win Mag Rifle, a Remington 870 200th Anniversary Edition 12 gauge shotgun and a Ruger Precision Rifle in 6.5 Creedmore. The popular Wall of Guns will also be available.

An amazing 15,000 rounds of 22 LR ammunition will be available throughout the night in a variety of ways.

When you buy a rose for a special lady at the banquet, you’ll have a chance to win prizes – including a Smith & Wesson with laser grips in a 38 special.

Admission is $35 per person, which includes the dinner. Advance tickets are available at White Horse Country Store/Canyon Sporting Goods, Storyteller, Thermopolis Hardware & Mercantile and Black Bear Cafe or from Hot Springs County Friends of NRA members, including Cynthia Garbin (921-8304) or Paul Garbin (921-8303).

Last year, a little over $30,000 was raised through the live and silent auctions, raffles and games.

Donations through the live and silent auctions are tax deductible since Friends of NRA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

Net proceeds benefit Wyoming youth

Net proceeds from the annual local banquet go into a pool of funds raised statewide. Fifty percent of the money goes to the NRA Foundation to support the national Eddie Eagle program, safety courses, etc. The other 50 percent stays in Wyoming and is available for grants.

Friends of NRA is the educational safety arm of the NRA and provides financial support for youth shooting sports. Paul Garbin said the local grants to 4-H shooting sports and the Thermopolis Gun Club has been well over $80,000 since Hot Springs County Friends of NRA was reestablished nine years ago.

Most of the money goes to youth programs and the remainder to training and education, range development, women’s programs, conservation, special grants and endowments. Last year the Friends in Wyoming distributed a little over $300,000 in grants to groups and programs in the state.

“We won’t continue to have Second Amendment rights unless young people understand their freedoms,” Paul Garbin said.