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During the Friends of NRA banquet April 8 at Lakeside Pavilion in Marble Falls, Burnet County Sheriff’s Office were presented with a $2,800 grant from funds raised the previous year. Pictured, from right, are: Friends board member Pat Pucik, Investigator Robert Clark, Chief Deputy Mike Cummings, Capt. Steven Clark, Capt. Tom Dillard, Sheriff Calvin Boyd and Friends Chairman Mark McDonald. Contributed -
The 2021 Friends of NRA banquet in Marble Falls on April 8 drew approximately 260 people -- double what the event drew last year during the height of virus protocols. Contributed -
The 2021 banquet featured a POW-MIA remembrance table.
Burnet County Friends of NRA collected more than hundred thousand dollars in donations, auction items and table sponsorships during its recent banquet with the bulk of the funding earmarked for local law enforcement, youth shooting sports and education.
“It just shows there’s a grassroots effort locally that supports helping us raising money to fund the shooting sports and to assist local agencies,” Burnet County Friends of NRA Chairman Mark McDonald said.
The event, which attracted about 260 attendees, happened April 8 at the Lakeside Pavilion in Marble Falls.
Organizers said of the $117,000 raised, $78,000 will be redistributed to local entities who apply for grants.
“Our net will come back to programs,” he said. “Grant request range from equipment and training to supplies and resources.”
Past grant awards funded Burnet County Sheriff’s Office firearms/equipment vehicle storage boxes and Burnet County 4H Club custom rifles ammunition and target systems.
“We thank the community for their attendance and thank them for their participation,” McDonald said. “We want to thank the city for all the improvements at the pavilion.” Venue upgrades included expanded parking and inside/outside aesthetics improvements.
Attendance and money raised increased due to response to the sponsorships and auction, which included the “gun of the year” Henry rifle. The 45-70 lever action firearm is best known for its use at the Battle of the Little Bighorn and its iconic use during the Old West.
“We raised twice as much,” McDonald said. “Last year, because of COVID-19 we only had 120 people in the room. We doubled our attendance this year.”
The banquet featured steaks and homemade desserts, courtesy of the Burnet County 4H Club.
For the first time, Friends volunteer Mark McCary coordinated a POW/MIA table display, symbolic of military men and women who have yet to return or did not return from duty.
Two big donations included $1,500 table for first responder attendance and $800 in raffle ticket purchase.