About 160 local waterfowlers and supporters of wildlife conservation converged on the Black River Coliseum Saturday night for the Bluff City Mallards/Ducks Unlimited annual banquet.
"It went well and we made money for the ducks," said Chapter Co-Chair Jeremy Wethington of the event. "Thanks to everyone who came out and made the night a success for us."
About $28,000 was raised during the banquet, Wethington reported, which helps fund Ducks Unlimited's various habitat programs not only locally, but in several critical-need areas around the continent.
The evening began with a social hour, where visitors were able to participate in games, raffles and a silent auction.
"We'd also like to thank Butler County conservation agents Frank Campa and Mark Skelton for setting up their Laser Shot game to keep the kids busy," Wethington said. "We got a lot of praise for that."
Karon Campbell and her staff from Tasteful Creations served a steak dinner, which, Wethington said, was well-received.
"She did eight lines and had everyone fed in less than 15 minutes," he said.
Travis Birdsong volunteered his services for the live auction, which Wethington said did very well.
About 20 firearms went home with new owners over the course of the night, including the Shotgun of the Year, a Browning A-5, which was won by Ryan Hutson, and the Handgun of the Year, a Kimber Custom II, won by Chris Rickman.
This year's event, Wethington noted, had 18 sponsors.
"Thanks to our sponsors for their support," he said. "Without them, we couldn't put on a successful event."
A date has not been set for next year's event, Wethington said, but planning already is underway, including a possible date change. Anyone wishing to volunteer their time to help the chapter during its events is asked to contact them on the Bluff City Mallards Facebook page.