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Washington Evening Journal
111 North Marion Avenue
Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
New London Tiger Trap Banquet and Fundraiser fun for all
The Second (Inaugural) Banquet and Fundraiser began at 5:30 Feb. 3. While the time from 5:30 to 7 p.m. was designated “social hour,” there were plenty of activities. Wende and her crew made sure everyone received their tickets and bid cards, sold tickets to new arrivals, and made all feel welcome. All live auction items were on display and one could begin bidding on the silent auction items. Additionally, the team members had many interesting fundraising drawings. Many of the ideas were centered around equipment such as the using shotgun shells in the drawing but one very clever drawing involved Tootsie Pops.
Throughout the entire night, the team worked very hard and had many duties. One could tell that the students were truly interested in making the Tiger Shooting Team one of the best in the U.S.
“Thank you for using the MP Vets hall,” said Dan Cook of the Mount Pleasant Vets Hall. “You have a great group of kids, and once again they went above and beyond all day long, setting up and tearing down.”
It is apparent that the coaches, sponsors and leaders teach by example.
Before dinner the auctioneer, Jason Denning, auctioned four pies. The winner of the bid chose his/her favorite pie and then the bidding began again for the next pie. Some very happy people had dessert first! This activity was a fun start to a delicious dinner of two meats, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheeses and rolls. Portions were generous and no one went away hungry. Desserts were all homemade by volunteers.
At 8 p.m., Emcee Dan Berner called the audience to attention. John Smyth welcomed the group. He introduced the team coaches, and emphasized how important every person was to the success of the team. Last year, the costs averaged $28.50 per team member per event. Every measure possible was taken to keep the costs low so that all could participate.
Fourteen of the twenty-seven team members went to the state meet. After John’s remarks, the Whitetails Unlimited group announced their donation of $3,000. Their enthusiastic support of the Shooting Team was a welcome start to the event.
At each table reports were available listing the many sponsors and supporters. Many of the drawings involved firearms, and at a front table the group had volunteers making sure the proper paperwork was filled out and submitted. One of the drawings involved taking an envelope and placing your information on it. In the envelope one placed any amount of money up to $20. If your number was drawn, you received 10 times that amount. The winner of that drawing exemplified how dedicated the families are to this group. They returned their winnings to the team.
After the drawings were completed, Wende announced that the silent auction would be closing. Team members lined up to help begin the live auction. Students would pick up each piece and walk though the crowd displaying the items. This last look at the item helped some decide their bid.
John and Wendy posted the following on the team’s Facebook page:
“A huge shout out to everyone that was involved in the banquet yesterday!! This is our second year and we are blown away by the amount of support shown by our community. A big thank you to all of our sponsors, we are grateful for all your support, donations and kindness you have shown us. We are continuously impressed by our ornery and fun loving, compassionate kids. They are not only teammates but close friends. They work great together on and off the field. We are blessed to have supportive and hands on parents.
“Thank you again everyone involved, we couldn't have done it without all the parents, kids, coaches, sponsors and many more. If anyone has any pictures please post them here or send them to me.
“The season is just beginning, so there is much to do. Trap sign-up is next week Thursday, Feb. 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the New London Community Center. Registration is $100. If you were on the team last year please try on your jersey. If it doesn't fit please bring it with you to exchange for a different size. We welcome anyone 6th grade to 12th grade to join. Also the week of Feb. 5, the Tiger Team store will be open at Ingwerson’s Outlaw T’s at 113 W Main Street, New London.”
