The 10th Annual Benelli USA Invitational, held last week at Prince George's Trap and Skeet Center in Glenn Dale, Maryland, marked the first decade of an ongoing commitment to our nation's warriors and their families. This one-day sporting clays event drew in 164 competitive shooters, many of whom were military veterans, to join forces in support of Freedom Hunters, a cause that resonates deeply with the values of courage, resilience and adventure.
For the past decade, the Benelli USA Invitational has been more than just a premier shooting event—it's been a call to action, a commitment to our nation's warriors and their families. The purpose? To raise funds for the Freedom Hunters military outreach program, which has been creating life-changing outdoor experiences for service members and their loved ones since 2006. This year, the Invitational and its parallel online auction raised an impressive $132,000!
"The Invitational is one of the most anticipated events of the year for our team at Benelli," said Tom DeBolt, CEO of Benelli USA. "It's a day that embodies the spirit of adventure and the bonds of camaraderie, all in support of a mission that deeply resonates with who we are. With nearly a quarter of our staff being military veterans, we are proud to stand behind Freedom Hunters and their commitment to giving back to the military community through transformative outdoor experiences."
Freedom Hunters: Adventure with Purpose
Since its inception in 2006, Freedom Hunters has served over 14,000 veterans and their families, offering unique outdoor adventures in 46 of the 50 states and venturing into Namibia, Canada and Mexico. In 2023 alone, Freedom Hunters planned 104 adventures for 1,015 veterans and family members—a monumental effort that required the dedication of over 300 volunteers who contributed a staggering 35,996 hours of service, valued at over $1.1 million.
The Benelli USA Invitational has been instrumental in supporting Freedom Hunters' mission over the past decade, raising an incredible $922,000 for the cause. It's not just about the numbers; it's about the lives changed, the bonds forged and the outdoor memories created. Want to get involved? To learn more about Freedom Hunters, click here!