What comes to mind when pondering the atmosphere of an Alaska Friends of NRA banquet? Lots of people dedicated to the Second Amendment and the shooting sports? Check.
A plethora of firearms for attendees to bid on? Check.
How about an abundance of excitement and energy coming from people playing games and raising money for The NRA Foundation? Check!
All this and more was on display at this past weekend’s Alaska State Friends of NRA banquet, one of the top Friends of NRA fundraisers in the country this year. The committee raised almost $150,000 with 330 attendees in the room. According to Alaska Field Representative Brad Kruger, there were many factors that contributed to the committee’s success and the 24 percent increase in net dollars over last year.
Number one: Alaskans are passionate about the NRA and their firearm freedoms. Number two: An overwhelming support of Alaskan businesses donated to the banquet. Number three: Not only does the Alaska State committee work tirelessly throughout the year on the event, but other Alaska Friends of NRA committees donate trips and firearms so the banquet can reach its goal of being number one in the nation.
To help reach that goal, the committee had several Elite Sponsors who added a tremendous amount of support. One of the biggest, the Alaska Urological Association, donated $10,000, and Weld Air Alaska and GBR Equipment both donated $5,000. “We also had many other businesses step up at the $2,500 level,” said Kruger. “This really gave us a lot of momentum. We would not be where we are today if we did not have the support of these patriots.”
Also added this year was a new game called “The Wall of Guns.” Provided by the Sportsman’s Warehouse of Anchorage, the wall featured a light display and air horns that announced to the crowd when it was “Gun Time.” “This was a glorious success. We ended upflipping the wall 15 times, which brought in $15,000!” said Kruger.
Because of the success of his state’s Friends of NRA banquet, Kruger suggests that all committees should have a state banquet. “If you do not have one, I strongly urge you to take a close look at it,” Kruger said. “The state banquet is like the ‘Super Bowl’ of banquets. Every state needs their own!”
What’s in store for next year? “I can tell you that the committee is still riding the wave and the wheels are turning,” said Kruger. “Plans are already being made to make the 2010 banquet even greater, and Chairman Denny Hamann has already got a few ‘surprises.'”
Once again, Kruger thanks everyone for their support and looks forward to seeing everyone next year. To attend or volunteer at an Alaska Friendsof NRA banquet, contact NRA Field Representative Brad Kruger at (907)235-9059 or bkruger@nrahq.org.
Photo at right: Elite Sponsor Doctor Colonel Robert Allen (left) with Committee Member “Scout Brown” (right) at the banquet.