The Greene County Gobblers chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation enjoyed a successful evening of fundraising while having some fun and promoting youth programs and hunter safety at its annual banquet Saturday evening. More than $6,000 was raised through the auction, games and raffles.
Fred Long is chapter president. He is assisted by a committee of Susan Cort, Kevin Devilbiss, Dean Dozier, Jeff Gorsuch, Aaron Sloan and Scott Weber.
Kevin Lentz worked the crowd assembled in Clover Hall, crying the sale of items following a dinner provided by Lidderdale Country Store.
Dennis Conger, NWTF regional director, assisted at the banquet, providing background information on the auction items.
Drawing the highest total on the live auction was a NWTF cowboy fire pit. It brought $270. The pick of the auction raffle was won by Heidi Kipp of Yale. She chose the autographed Green Bay Packer football.
Twelve box turkey calls were sold, bringing in $1,000 plus. The buyers were eligible for special prizes including a nice gun, won by Andrew McKnight.
Reverse BINGO is always a fun game where the numbers selected disqualifies the card. President Long won that game, taking home a 32-inch television.
Tanner Janning topped all comers in the dart game. The knife drawing winner was Phil Engelson.
A large number of door prizes were awarded to lucky ticket holders.
Special recognition was given to the veterans in attendance. Each received a commemorative pin. Pictured is Conger (left) presenting a pin to Long.
Children age 17 and under were urged to join the JAKES program. JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship) is dedicated to informing, educating and involving youth in wildlife conservation and the wise stewardship of natural resources.
Conger explained that the wild turkey population is down 15 percent nationwide. He noted an area the size of Yellowstone National Park is lost each year to development as the birds lose their natural habitat.
Long and Conger extended their appreciation to the guests and to the sponsors and donors who made the banquet possible with their donations. Money raised is used in the JAKES program and to promote habitat in Greene County and other locations. ~The Scranton Journal
