~courtesy of the Scranton Journal
More than 100 members and guests gathered at Clover Hall on the Greene County Fairgrounds in Jefferson on Nov. 11 for the annual fundraising Pheasants Forever banquet. Organizers used a variety of games, challenges, raffles and auctions to raise money which will be utilized for programs in Greene County as well as in the state and around the nation.
Heading up the event were committee members Kevin Devilbiss, Jeff Gorsuch, Mike Minnihan, Fred Long, Susan and Steve Cort, Dean Dozier and Scott Weber. The guests enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by Lidderdale Country Store.
Each year a new gimmick is devised to raise some competition for prizes. This year a dozen PF mugs were auctioned bringing in almost $1,700. The mug owners then chose prizes from a nice selection of hunting supplies including guns and gift cards.
Chrissy Rhodes, private lands wildlife specialist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, explained her role as private lands wildlife specialist. She urged landowners to contact her for more information about projects and the funding available.
Fred Long discussed legislative action in the past and looked ahead to 2018.
The marquee event of the evening was the live auction of prints, signs, mirrors, metal works, gift baskets and other merchandise. Kevin Lentz cried the sale, generating almost $3,300. He was the lucky winner of the “pick of the auction” drawing, selecting the Savage Axis .270 rifle.
Two auction items brought applause from the crowd: a bid of $325 for the print “Evening Solitude” by Terry Redlin, and $350 for a metal replica of a torn flag.
The silent auction generated more than $600.
The Greene County PF Chapter is in its 31st year and proudly reports 135 food plot projects on 710 acres; 2,625 acres of land projects; 7,700 acres of nesting projects, and 200 acres of shelterbelt projects.
New committee members are always welcome and appreciated.
Special mention was given to the gold sponsors who help make the banquet a success: Home State Bank, Greene County Soil and Water, Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, Fred Long, Kevin and Teresa Devilbiss, Doc’s Stadium Bar and Grill, Steve and Julie Karber, 209 Main, Central Iowa Memorials, Mike and Phyllis Minnihan, Edward Jones-Dean Dozier, Mick and Vicki Subbert, and Jeff and Roxanne Gorsuch.
