2020 Benelli USA Invitational Breaks Fundraising Record

by
posted on November 14, 2020
benelli.jpg

The sixth annual Benelli USA Invitational raised a record amount of $100,000 for Freedom Hunters—a group that supports outdoor opportunities for combat veterans, active-duty military personnel and military families. The in-person shooting event pivoted to an online format due to COVID-19, but donations from industry partners, an online action, the Benelli Match Donation and other events combined to generate the funds.

“Breaking the fundraising record without hosting an on-site event is a testament to the resiliency of the American people and their willingness to step in to help those in need,” said Benelli USA General Manager Tom DeBolt. “Despite not having the shoot, great food, friendly competition and the comradery that comes with a normal event, we were still able to create a new benchmark in fundraising. We would like to thank all of those who contributed both items for auction and monetarily, and also the ones who put in the hard work to pull this together during these challenging times.”

The annual event normally takes place at Prince George’s County Trap and Skeet Center in Glenn Dale, MD. Industry partners sponsor shooting teams and provide gear and adventures for the auction. The previous year’s event brought in $85,000 for Freedom Hunters. Benelli USA will present Freedom Hunter Founder and CEO Anthony Pace with a check for $100,000 to continue their mission of honoring those who protect the citizens of the United States.

“Without any doubt, having partners in the outdoor industry has helped Freedom Hunters honor more of our nation's finest with hunting, shooting, and fishing trips,” said Anthony Pace, founder and CEO of Freedom Hunters.

“The pandemic may have taken away the opportunity to get together in-person at the Benelli USA Invitational, but it did not take away Benelli USA’s commitment to our warriors. The isolation and uncertainty that COVID brings has escalated the veteran suicide numbers 20-30 percent from an already epidemic rate of 22 veterans per day. Funds raised by Benelli give our warriors hope and purpose through therapeutic outdoor adventures and frankly saves lives. We cannot thank Benelli USA enough for their commitment to our mission and more importantly to heroes and their families.”

Latest

KelTec SUB2000 GEN3 Folding PCC
KelTec SUB2000 GEN3 Folding PCC

Wringing Out The KelTec SUB2000 GEN3 Folding PCC

With a rotating fore-end assembly, Kellgren's latest SUB2000 positively advances the design yet retains the classic appeal of the brand's legendary pistol-caliber carbine.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 4, 2024

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Suppressor Sales Setting Records

Nearly 2.2 million suppressors were purchased by law-abiding citizens from May 2021 through July 2024, according to figures compiled by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF).

Preview: Underdog Glasses

Sunglasses are often misplaced, forgotten and lost, so Underdog resolves such dilemmas with its clip-on lenses.

New For 2024: Century Arms BFT74 & BFT556

Century Arms expanded its AK-style BFT rifle line in 2024 with two new models chambered for 5.56 NATO and 5.45x39 mm, respectively.

Preview: Armaspec SRS AR-15 Kit

This Armaspec upgrade to the AR-15’s standard buffer and spring includes a trio of interchangeable buffer weights that allow the user to tune it to his or her rifle/load.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.