Have you ever attended a Friends of NRA fundraising banquet? If not, it is really something you should consider doing. Better yet, why not volunteer for one? These events are lively, rewarding and support an incredible cause. If you unfamiliar with the NRA Foundation and the Friends of NRA, let me explain.
The Misson of the NRA Foundation
The Friends of NRA is the fundraising arm of The NRA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. The NRA Foundation raises tax-deductible contributions to support firearm-related public interest activities of the NRA and other organizations dedicated to defending and fostering Second Amendment rights for all law-abiding Americans.
Thanks to the more than 63,000 fundraising events since its inception in 1992, the NRA Foundation has awarded more than $492 million in all types of grants—State Fund grants, National grants, and Divisional grants. In 2023, more than 700 events brought in nearly $24 million. These funds support grassroots efforts to benefit shooting and self-protection programs across the country.
1. Sense of Community
My involvement with Friends of NRA banquets began when my growing kids were active in the 4-H Shooting Sports program and Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC). Supporting these programs for my kids and their friends meant the world to me, so I jumped at the chance to help.
At the time we lived in small Fremont County, Colorado, where these banquets were more than just fundraising events—they were unifying occasions for the whole county. Each year, our entire family, neighbors, friends and families drew together to create something special. The excitement was contagious, and the pride we felt in raising funds for our kids was without parallel. Every auction, game, meal and moment were approached with great care.
Amid the hard work, however, there was a sense of camaraderie that made the experience even more meaningful. Even small children were able to participate in something meaningful while contributing to their activities.
2. A Sense of Purpose
Gwen (Chermack) Hartzler, a former Colorado NRA field representative, and I quickly became close friends while collaborating on several banquets. She shared valuable insights on why supporting Friends of NRA fundraisers is so important.
“As a volunteer and as an attendee, you get to support youth shooting sports in a real and tangible way,” she said.
“That’s the heartbeat behind the Friends of NRA program. If we don’t get the kids involved, they won’t stay involved as they get older. Without young people, the whole firearms, hunting, competitive, and recreational shooting world will get old and die off.”
Friends of NRA fundraising also promotes:
- The Eddie Eagle GunSafe program: This program uses the program’s mascot Eddie Eagle to teach pre-K through third grade children four simple rules for gun safety.
- Youth programs: The NRA has actively promoted youth shooting sports since 1903.
- Women’s programs: The number of women shooters is rising faster than any other demographic, and the NRA is dedicated to foster this growth providing resources to women’s programs.
- Shooting range support: NRA Range Services offers resources for both public and private ranges nationally.
- Competitive Shooting: The NRA sanctions more than 11,000 shooting tournaments and sponsors over 50 national championships annually.
- Law Enforcement: In 1960, the NRA started a Law Enforcement Division to certify LE firearm instructors and competitions.
3. Work Hard and Have FUN!
Organizing a FNRA banquet is a massive but rewarding undertaking requiring a dedicated team that works for many weeks to bring it together. From renting venues and planning menus to assigning roles and ordering merchandise, each detail must be meticulously checked off.
On the big day, the hustle begins. The venue must be set up and decorated, the merchandise sorted and displayed, signage created, and games prepared. It is a time of hard work but is fun and being able to work with people who love the same things you do is so rewarding. My husband and I were able to attend the Central Florida FNRA event in September where we met several committee members.
“Depending on the banquet, it can take anywhere from four to five hours to set up for the banquet,” explained Marjorie Teague, Heartland Friends of NRA Chairwoman. “Then after the banquet you have tear down everything you put up and that can take two to four hours as well.”
4. Build a Legacy
My kids are now grown and are teaching their own children to hunt and shoot. They also help organize Friends of NRA banquets in their communities. Each one remembers the fun they had learning about the Second Amendment, and what it takes to keep it alive. Many of the kids who participated in the events we hosted years ago are still involved in shooting sports and hunting today. They also take pride in organizing Friends of NRA events each year, ensuring their own children learn the same values that have been passed down for generations.
You can have a significant impact on the future of shooting sports, safety programs and the lives of people in the shooting community of you attend a Friends of NRA fundraising event. Better yet, get involved and volunteer to help. You, and the people receiving the fruit of your labor will pass on an important Second Amendment legacy.
