|
ACCOKEEK, Md. (October 4, 2021) – In its seventh year, the annual Benelli USA Invitational event held Friday, September 24, 2021, raised a new record of $130,000 for Freedom Hunters – a group that supports outdoor opportunities for combat veterans, active duty military personnel and military families. Donations from industry partners, an online action and the Benelli Match Donation combined to generate the funds.
"Benelli USA is proud to partner with Freedom Hunters to accomplish the ultimate goal of getting active duty military, vets and Gold Star families outdoors for hunting and fishing adventures." said Benelli USA General Manager Tom DeBolt. "It is important for us all to play our part in supporting these incredible individuals and Benelli USA is honored to contribute $130,000 to Freedom Hunters from the proceeds of our seventh annual Invitational Shoot."
The annual event is hosted at Prince George’s County Trap and Skeet Center in Glenn Dale, Maryland. This year’s Invitational Shoot drew 152 shooters. Industry partners annually sponsor shooting teams and provide outdoor gear and adventures for the auction. The previous year’s event brought in $100,000 for Freedom Hunters. Benelli USA presented Freedom Hunter Founder and CEO Anthony Pace with a check for $130,000 to continue their mission of honoring those who protect the citizens of the United States.
Individual high scores for the annual Benelli USA Invitational Shoot include Brandon Gweke with the highest overall individual score and runner up Joe Kukla Jr. The team of Brandon Gweke, Marty Gweke, Joe Kukla Sr. and Joe Kukla Jr. won the overall team competition with a combined score of 276. Top honors for the ladies went to Anne Mauro.
“Having partners in the outdoor industry like Benelli USA has helped Freedom Hunters honor more of our nation's finest with hunting, shooting, and fishing trips,” said Anthony Pace, founder and CEO of Freedom Hunters. “Funds raised by Benelli give our warriors hope and purpose through therapeutic outdoor adventures and frankly saves lives. We cannot thank Benelli USA enough for their commitment to our mission and more importantly to heroes and their families.”
Freedom Hunters is an outreach program whose mission is to convey the outdoor community’s appreciation for the dedication of and sacrifices made by the men and women of the Armed Forces. Through the support of numerous groups and companies, including Benelli USA, Freedom Hunters arranges outdoor adventures and opportunities for active duty soldiers and combat veterans, as well as families of fallen heroes and children of those currently deployed. To learn more about Freedom Hunters, go to www.freedomhunters.org.
The success of the Benelli USA Invitational Event is a credit to the support and dedication of the following brands:
- 3D exhibits
- Action Target
- Aquila
- Banded
- Benelli Italy
- Benelli USA
- Bentley
- Bentley-Scott
- Beretta
- Blue Heron Communications
- Bodyguard Bumper
- BPI
- Bretmor
- Brownell's
- Burris Optic
- Citrin Cooperman
- CoreLine
- Covey
- Delta Waterfowl
- DemerBox
- Dick Cepek Tires
- Duck Camp
- Duck Commanders
- Eukanuba
- Expert Voice
- Federal Ammunition
- Franchi
- Grayloon
- Harford Mutual Insurance Group
- Hi Viz
- High Adventure Company
- Honey Brake Lodge
- Hornady
- Impact Office
- Jack Daniel’s
- Kennedy Services
- LEER
- Liberty Safe
- Lucky Duck
- LWRCI
- Malini Glueck
- Mark Roth
- Maverick Outdoors
- MEAT!
- Media Direct
- Midwest Gunworks
- Mojo Outdoors
- MOJO Outdoors
- Napa Valley Olive Oil
- Oakley
- Owen J Brown
- Paul Brooks
- Pestilli
- Phoenix
- Phoenix Risk Advisors
- Pure Fishing
- Purina
- RealTree
- Rob Roberts
- Rock River ArmsSCCY
- Sitka
- Springfield Armory
- Steiner Optics
- Stoeger
- Streamlight
- Swarovski Optics
- Taurus
- Team One Network
- Ten Point
- Tetra
- The Fowl life
- Thorogood Boots
- Tidewater Inn
- Tommy John
- Tony Vandemore
- Traeger
- TrueTimber
- Vortex
- Walkers
- White Flyer
- Williard Packaging co
- Wingman Guide Service
- Yeti
About Benelli USA
Benelli USA is a world leader in manufacturing quality semi-automatic shotguns and rifles that are known for their ultra-reliability and high-performance standards. For the latest news and product information visit www.benelliusa.com.