EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The NWTF Southern Maryland Chapter hosted its largest and most meaningful banquet to date, drawing over 500 attendees for a night filled with laughter, camaraderie and a deep sense of community. While the chapter celebrated record breaking attendance and raised significant funds for conservation, the evening also held a tribute to NWTF members lost in the recent Potomac River plane crash this past January.
The Southern Maryland Chapter has always been a powerhouse for conservation efforts, and this year’s banquet was no exception. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of volunteers who spent the past year recruiting new members, the event saw a surge in attendance, including a group of women who had previously participated in the chapter’s winter goose hunt.
To commemorate the record-breaking turnout, the chapter raffled off a free 4-wheeler, adding to the night’s excitement. The banquet boasted over 100 sponsors and featured a live auction with 51 items, which raised more than $40,000 for the NWTF mission.
“This event was made up of such a supportive community, of both conservation and of the chapter,” said Ray Smith, NWTF regional director. “The banquet made huge contributions to the state’s Super Fund and will no doubt be one of the top chapters in the country.”
Smith credited much of the chapter’s success to its president, Steve Berry, his wife Chrissy Berry and his entire Committee.
“I am very thankful for our extremely supportive hunting community and families, along with our committee and volunteer members,” Berry said. “I would also like to thank our past President Bobby Boarman for keeping the event running smoothly and on time. We are also extremely thankful for the help of Chrissy Berry and the rest of the ladies that were checking in attendees, as they had an extremely busy evening and stayed on top of it all.”
The event featured a youth prize table, where young attendees received turkey calls and had the chance to sign up for the chapter’s spring youth mentored hunt. This hunt gives 60-80 young hunters the opportunity to be mentored one-on-one by experienced volunteers who even offer their own land for the experience.
Adding to the night’s impact, a $1,000 scholarship was awarded to Alexandra Ellin, furthering NWTF’s commitment to investing in the next generation of conservationists.
While the night was filled with joy, it also held a solemn and heartfelt moment. At the center of the banquet hall, seven places were set with photographs of the NWTF members lost in the Potomac River plane crash, a powerful tribute that showcased the depth of this community’s bonds.
Widows of lost members and a friend who chose to drive instead of being on the flight were in attendance. Surrounded by over 500 people, the NWTF family flock embodied the love and support that communities at a local level comprise.
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 24 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.
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