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Washington Evening Journal
111 North Marion Avenue
Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
Tiger Shooting Sports Fundraiser was Amazing Event
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
For the guests, the evening began at 5:30 p.m. People purchased beverages, visited, purchased raffle tickets, participated in games, browsed and selected silent items of interest and checked the list of live auction items. This year, Wende Smyth, Team Rock and All-Star Contributor, changed roles a bit. As she circulated the room making sure everything was going smoothly, she was also “Hostess with the Mostest.” As a result, the atmosphere was relaxed and enjoyable the entire evening.
On the Team Facebook page, Coordinator and leader John Smyth conveyed his feelings, “We had an amazing night at the banquet.” He went on to thank everyone for coming out and supporting the team. He also thanked all the sponsors, parents, family, friends and everyone involved. John and Wende, the coaches volunteers and the team members actually started at 8 a.m. getting the VFW ready for this incredible event. As he went on to give credit to entire supportive community John exclaimed “We rocked it!”
The following description may not be in sequential order but the live auction, banquet and kept everyone on their toes and listening. Dan Cook of the Mount Pleasant VFW began the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. Dan resisted calls to sing the national anthem for the visitors. That may have been a wise call on his part. Whitetails Unlimited, a staunch supporter of the Shooting Team presented a check to John for $2500. The support from this group has really helped the ensure the success of the team.
This year pies were auctioned off to begin the Banquet. In addition to receiving a delicious pie the winner of the bid on the first pie also won the right to be first through the serving line. Jason Denning, Auctioneer, led the spirited bidding. Marvin Stauffer and Brent Jepsen donated the pies. The tone was set for an enjoyable but competitive evening. First on however, feeding the hungry crowd took priority. Kyle Wagner and Tomy Kempker provided the delicious pork loin and brisket. Master of Ceremonies, Dan Berner, kept the event organized and moving. He kept the pace just the right. Things moved along efficiently but not hastily.
The Shooting Team members worked the entire evening. They were on duty ata 5:30 selling raffle tickets answering questions. During dinner they cleared tables and helped guests get desserts and drinks. There are many benefits of this joining this fast growing sport. Students learn leadership, mentoring skills and the importance of team unity and structure. Each member takes pride in contributing to the success of the team and the banquet fundraiser. These skills become second nature and last a lifetime.
Around 8 p.m. the silent auction closes and the winners are announced. The live auction begins. The list of items is varied and interesting. Of course, rest of the pies brought lively responses. There were fishing and hunting adventures to win as well as many outdoor cooking and comfort items. As guests begin to leave for home, it is with the comforting thought that a successful third season has been ensured.
Team Trap shooting is an expensive sport. It is only with the support of this large community of sportsmen and women that kids can experience the fun and establish a pastime/passion that is lifelong. It is important to the sponsors of the New London Trap Shooting Team that each child who wants to try the sport gets that chance. Following is a summary of the costs per member per meet or practice. The team members participated in 20 shoots in 2024, 15 students went to state. There is only one fundraiser for this sport. The cost is $28 for each member to practice or participate in a dual meet. Tournaments cost roughly $38 per student for shells and targets. Costs per practice are about $784 and tournaments are around $1,064. There is a $100 registration fee to join the Trap Team. The team covers all shells, targets, team polo and jersey, insurance and related fees. This past season the cost was close to $20,748. All coaching is volunteer.
The new season starts February 12. Sign up for the coming season will be from 5-6:30 p.m. at New London Community Center. If you have any questions please contact John and he will help you register. Twenty-eight kids participated last year. The team is expected to grow to thirty-five in 2025.
