With a record-setting 2025 banquet and decades of dedication, the chapter continues to lead in Delta’s fundraising network
BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA — For more than two decades, the Memphis Chapter of Delta Waterfowl has built a legacy of leadership, passion, and community. That legacy reached new heights this fall when the Tennessee chapter surpassed a record-setting $3 million in net lifetime fundraising. Fueled by decades of sold-out banquets, devoted volunteers, and a shared love for duck hunting, the chapter’s success reflects the remarkable impact hunters can achieve when they’re united for conservation.
“It’s tough to put into words what this group continually accomplishes, not just in tangible numbers but in the culture of excellence that has become their hallmark,” said Jason Tharpe, chief executive officer of Delta Waterfowl. “Holding one successful banquet is impressive, but to do it for more than 20 years with this level of dedication is simply remarkable. These folks are deeply committed to the organization, to preserving the future of duck hunting, and their passion makes all of us at Delta proud to work alongside them.”
Founded in 2003, the Memphis Chapter has been a cornerstone in Delta’s network of fundraising chapters, consistently ranking among the organization’s top performers. Over the past two decades, they’ve led all chapters in total net income nine times, earning additional awards for No. 1 in memberships and No. 1 in single net-existing chapter performance. They surpassed the $1 million mark in 2015, reached $2 million in 2021, and now celebrate their third million — a testament to sustained leadership and commitment to Delta’s mission.
“We’re in the heart of the Mississippi Flyway, so we have a very passionate group of supporters,” said Will Covington, the chapter’s chairman. “We have worked hard to cater to them and to find out what they want, and we all have the same goal of the preservation of duck hunting. That’s what we all come together for, and that’s what everyone really firmly believes in.”
The shared commitment was evident at this year’s sold-out Sept. 23 banquet, where nearly 400 guests filled the room for an evening of raffles, auctions, camaraderie, and record-setting fundraising. The milestone banquet that propelled them past the $3 million mark also included a celebration of local supporter John Dobbs, who recently retired from Delta’s Board of Directors after years of dedicated service. His leadership and steady support have long complemented the Memphis Chapter’s hard work and helped strengthen their foundation of excellence.
Looking ahead, the Memphis Chapter will keep putting its Waterfowl Heritage Fund dollars to work close to home. The committee plans to continue supporting local organizations and enhancing local refuges through projects such as wood duck box installations. The chapter is currently working to host a special hunt for disabled veterans, and, of course, plans are in motion to raise the fundraising bar even higher in 2026.
“The Memphis Chapter continues to set the standard for excellence within Delta Waterfowl. Surpassing the $3 million fundraising mark and breaking the all-time net record for two consecutive years is an incredible accomplishment,” said Scot Marcin, Delta’s East Team director of events. “Since its founding in 2003, this chapter has not only raised critical dollars for ducks and hunters but has truly advanced Delta’s mission in meaningful, lasting ways. I could not be more proud of the committees — past and present — for their hard work, vision, and dedication to The Duck Hunters Organization™.”
Delta Waterfowl is The Duck Hunters Organization™, a leading conservation group working to produce ducks and secure the future of waterfowl hunting in North America. Visit deltawaterfowl.org.
Read the full article here
