Bluff City Mallards event raises $30K

With a crowd of about 170 on hand Saturday night, organizers of the Bluff City Mallards chapter of Ducks Unlimited’s annual banquet were pleased with the event.

“The night went really smoothly, and people seemed to enjoy the items we had,” said banquet co-chairman Jeremy Wethington.

The event grossed around $30,000 for Ducks Unlimited’s wetlands conservation mission, Wethington noted.

The banquet kicked off with games, raffles and a silent auction, followed by a steak dinner and live auction.

A special “Kids’ Zone” kept the youngsters busy all night, Wethington said.

“The kids really enjoyed the games, and the Kids’ Zone went very well, with help from Frank Campa and the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Laser Shot,” he said.

Karon Campbell’s Tasteful Creations served the crowd in only minutes, Wethington said.

“Tasteful Creations did an amazing job as always with the steak dinner,” he added.

Travis Birdsong volunteered his services for the live auction after the dinner, while Bluff Burger & Brew provided bartending services.

“Special thanks go to Travis for doing our auction,” Wethington said, “and to Bluff Burger & Brew for our bar services.”

A total of 15 guns were given away during the event, Wethington said.

The Shotgun of the Year, a wood-stocked Benelli Super Black Eagle III, was won by John Blaich, while the Handgun of the Year, a Glock 19, went home with Josh Wells.

The Rifle of the Year, a Howa bolt-action in 6.5 Creedmoor caliber, was won by Aaron Sandlin.

The money raised at the banquet will be added with that from other events to fund Ducks Unlimited’s habitat projects. Many are local, while others in other locations directly affect Missouri’s fall migration.

Plans already are underway for next year’s banquet, but a date has yet to be set.

Chapter volunteers, Wethington said, always are welcome and play a big role in the success of such events. Anyone wishing to help can call Wethington at 573-718-8167 to get involved.