Fundraiser benefits Heritage Trust - Industry News

Shooting Industry, Jan, 2003

The Hunting and Shooting Sports Heritage Trust's "Shooting for the Future" fundraising dinner and auction in late September raised close to $500,000, according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation.

More than 500 sportsman and industry leaders were the guests of Budweiser at Grant's Farm, a portion of the Busch family estate outside St. Louis, Mo.

"Now more than ever in today's uncertain world, we all share the responsibility to give something back to the traditions we cherish," said Anheuser-Busch president August Busch IV.

According to Doug Painter, NSSF president, the success of the event was due to cooperation of many contributing companies and organizations that have worked hard on their own to raise funds to protect the shooting heritage.

"It is tremendously important that hunters and firearms owners understand that the Heritage Trust was not created as an alternative to any organization we have already been supporting," Painter said. "We must all continue our support of these worthwhile groups. In my view, the Heritage Trust will provide a foundation of public understanding and support that will allow our existing conservation organizations and specialized shooting sports groups to do their important. work even more effectively."

Tom Fruechtel, chairman of the Heritage Trust board of directors, said the "Shooting for the Future" event sent an important message.

"Beyond our obvious fundraising success, we have sent a message to our fellow sportsmen, and to our adversaries, that we are ready and we. are well equipped to do whatever it takes to ensure the future .of our great hunting and shooting sports heritage."