The NRA Foundation National Banquet and Auction was a remarkable evening filled with generosity, camaraderie, and a shared commitment to a worthy cause. Held at Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Texas, the event brought together a diverse group of supporters, donors and community members, all united in their dedication to making a positive impact on the shooting sports.
The evening began with a Welcome Pre-Event Reception offering a “Pick a Prize” game and a “Locked and Loaded” game card available for purchase, which entered attendees into five key games inside the event. Veterans were also asked to sign the back of a large wooden flag as they entered the event. Over 60 signatures of service members were gathered on the back of the flag which was auctioned off in the live auction later that evening. The Pre-Event Reception set the tone for an evening of giving and celebration.
At 5 p.m., the doors officially opened as guests were welcomed into the main event space. Once inside, they were greeted with a large silent auction, numerous sponsored games, bucket raffles, and everyone’s favorite--the live auction which lined the front of the stage.
The silent auction and raffles offered guests the opportunity to bid on a wide range of items generously donated by businesses and supporters from across the country. From luxury vacations and jewelry, to home décor and firearms, there were plenty of exciting prizes up for grabs, with all proceeds benefiting The NRA Foundation.
As dinner was served, the evening’s events kicked off with the Friends of NRA Region Volunteer of the Year and Committee of the Year awards. This presentation featured four volunteers from across the country whose devotion to the Friends of NRA program is unmatched, along with the top netting Friends of NRA committee in the program. Larry and Brenda Potterfield, both Founders of the Friends of NRA program, recognized and awarded the Volunteers of the Year.
Throughout the event, attendees were moved by powerful speeches from freedom-loving individuals including Mark “Oz” Geist, American Hero and bestselling Co-Author of 13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened in Benghazi, credited for saving the lives of 25+ people; Lena Miculek, a professional shooter with eight world titles; Tyler Schropp, Executive Director of The NRA Foundation; and more speakers who shared personal stories and insights.
These speeches reinforced the importance of protecting our Second Amendment freedoms by supporting activities that promote safe and responsible firearms ownership, inspiring guests to open their hearts and wallets in support.
During dinner, the President of Henry Repeating Arns, Andy Wickstrom, gave a powerful presentation to honor Retired U.S. Army Major General Patrick Brady, who received a unique new and original Henry Silver Deluxe Engraved rifle, one of only 1,000 made, in honor of being one of the most decorated living American veterans. General Brady is one of only two living veterans to hold both the Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross, both earned during his service as a dust-off pilot in the Vietnam War.
There was great energy in the room as attendees prepared for the start of the live auction, which featured something for everyone; from handmade sculptures, to guided hunt excursions, firearms, rocking chairs, jewelry, and even a crawfish shucking table. The highest bid item was an Ohio Ordnance M-2 SLR with Tripod, Ammo Can with 200 Link, and Trijicon MGRS-D .50 CAL, which came fully donated from Ohio Ordnance Works, Inc.
The 2024 NRA Foundation Banquet and Auction was a resounding success, raising significant funds and awareness for future of shooting sports. Thanks to the generosity and support of attendees, sponsors, and volunteers, the event made a meaningful impact. A special thank you to Henry Repeating Arms as the Premier Event Sponsor, and to Blue Ridge Knives, Century Arms, Kimber, Sig Sauer and Taurus for being Contributing Sponsors. As the evening came to a close, guests left inspired and empowered, knowing that their contributions to The NRA Foundation provide essential shooting program resources, ensuring the availability of quality training, materials, and educational opportunities nationwide!
The NRA Foundation hopes to continue this success next year at the NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits in Atlanta, GA, April 25-27, 2025.
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