What Does the Jefferson Valley Friends of the NRA Do? Learn, Then Join Them for Their Annual Banquet

Who are the Friends of the NRA? What good can the Friends do for our community?

First, let me explain that we work for a Grant program. The program is set up so one-half of the money we raise in Montana STAYS in Montana. The other half goes into a national pool for all to draw from. In both cases, it is a 501(c)3. None of the money is used politically. It is all charitable.

Each year in January committees around the state meet in Helena and fund requested grants. This year we were able to fulfill all requests including two that were for law enforcement. Much of what we do goes towards the education for safe, responsible use of firearms. Our youth benefit from programs such as Eddie Eagle (designed for children as young as pre-school thru third grade), 4-H Shooting Sports, Hunter Safety, Youth Competition Shooting, and Scholastic Clay Target Program. We also help with Women on Target, Law Enforcement, and more.

We are preparing for our 2023 fundraising banquet. It is always a fun event. We are always looking for people who want to help. Volunteers are so important in so many things Whitehall does.

There is something for everyone at a Friends of NRA event. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere is brimming with excitement. Whether you're keeping an eye on that unique item in the live auction, trying your luck at one of the games, or just dining on some delicious food, you'll be sure to have a good time. It's a family-friendly event chock-full of everything from exclusive, limited-edition merchandise, firearms, knives, art, and more. Not to mention all the great people you'll meet in the process.

Amongst the fun and fellowship, Friends of NRA comes down to one goal---fundraising for the future of shooting sports. Each year, the NRA Foundation allocates half of all net proceeds to fund projects in the state in which the money was raised and uses the other half to fund similar projects with a national scope.

Committee volunteers go to State Fund and make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth firearm safety, archery, education programs, hunter education, range development, and improvement, women's training seminars, and wildlife conservation efforts.

Recognizing that America's young people represent the future of shooting sports, State Fund grants are frequently given to youth programs (more than 60% of grant monies). So by sponsoring and/or attending the banquet, you can be confident that you are helping all the kids in our community who want to participate in any of the shooting sports.

Nothing makes a Friends of NRA event more unique than the people who make it all happen. Working with our NRA Field Representative our local committee is made up of dedicated volunteers who are passionate and concerned about the future of shooting sports. This year's committee is led by Chairman Ron Howser, Sec-Treas. Patty Howser, Co-Chair Bill Gillespie, Colton and Samantha Howser, Farley Hicks, Easton Jones, Caine Ciriniconi, Michelle McCormick, and Wendy Forman.

There are so many ways to help, in person becoming a part of the committee, being a sponsor at any level, and or donating your time or money. If you are interested, contact Patty Howser at (406) 490-9738 or pattyhowser@gmail.com.