While the number of people in attendance was slightly lower than last year, the money raised at Saturday's 25th annual Heartland Gobblers/National Wild Turkey Federation banquet was right in line with the 2017 event.
More than 150 people attended the banquet, according to Heartland Gobblers President Chuck Stewart, and they raised $55,000 to support the organization's conservation and education efforts.
"For the size of the crowd, I thought we had a really good banquet," said Stewart.
The evening at the Brown-Mabry American Legion Post 153 started with a social hour, with games, raffles and a silent auction on the bill.
A steak dinner, prepared by the Legion's staff, was efficient and well received.
"It was a really good meal," said Stewart. "The Legion did a good job as always, and everyone bragged on it."
A live auction, conducted by volunteers Felix Baker and Haven Willis, followed the dinner and included some big-ticket items.
Alex Hanner was the winner of the four-person African safari from Limcroma Safaris, which has been offered at the last five events.
Twenty-six guns were given away over the course of the night, Stewart said, including the NWTF Gun of the Year, a custom-engraved Winchester Super X4 shotgun, which went home with Michael Christian.
Other guns included a Kimber Micro 9 pistol, Remington 1911 pistol, Beretta shotgun, Savage rifle and more.
The event, Stewart said, drew 50 local sponsors, which is similar to recent years.
"Our sponsors are the lifeblood of the banquet," Stewart said. "They really help offset our costs and allow more money to go into on-the-ground programs, and we really want to thank them."
Stewart said next year's event will take place on March 9, and anyone wanting to volunteer for the committee can call him at 573-421-1257.