Twenty-six years after it began, the SEMO Friends of NRA continues to set the standard in Missouri at its banquets, and this year was no different.
"I think it ran really smooth, and a lot of people commented on how much fun they had," said banquet chairman Andrew Heuiser. "We had a little over 400 people."
The banquet at the Black River Coliseum, Heuiser said, netted approximately $42,000 for the Friends of NRA's shooting sports programs, which include funding for local high school trap teams, 4-H shooting programs and more.
The evening began with a social hour, and the games and raffles started immediately. Also on the early bill was a silent auction with a variety of hunting gear, home decor and more available.
About 75 guns were given away over the course of the night, Heuiser said, including a Howa rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor, which went home with Ryan Heuiser.
The Friends of NRA Gun of the Year, a Kimber pistol and knife set with matching grips, was won by Eric Ross.
Karon Campbell's Tasteful Creations served a steak dinner after the social hour, Heuiser noted, and it was well received.
"The meal was great," he said. Karon always does a wonderful job, and she got everyone through the line very quickly."
Volunteer auctioneers Trent Stillwell and Felix Baker have been long-time fixtures at local Friends of NRA banquets, and this year was no exception.
"They always take good care of us," Heuiser said. "I can't say enough about them ... they've helped us out for the last 26 years."
An interesting item in the live auction was an electric guitar in the shape of an AR-15 rifle, personally signed by Ted Nugent. It went home as the pick of the auction with Doug Randall.
This year's banquet drew 44 local sponsors at various levels, Heuiser said, which are the lifeblood of the event because they help offset costs and allow more money to go directly to shooting programs.
"I'd like to thank all our sponsors," he said after the event. 'We can't put this together without our sponsors. We're surrounded by great people who support us every year."
Heuiser also was appreciative of everyone who came out to the banquet.
"We do this to support everyone's Second Amendment rights, and we couldn't do this without the support of the community," he said.
With 39 Friends of NRA banquets across Missouri annually, the SEMO Friends of NRA's event has consistently ranked near the top of the list for its successes, and Heuiser expects that to continue this year.
"We will be one of the top ones in the state," he said.
Of course, plans already are in the works for next year's banquet, which tentatively is scheduled for Aug. 17. There's a lot of work involved to make each event a success, and if you want to volunteer, you can call Heuiser at 573-429-2423.