Record Donations Highlight Gun Owner Generosity

Despite the economy’s current challenges, gun owners set a new Giving Tuesday record for the amount of money they donated to support youth shooting sports through the MidwayUSA Foundation. More than $275,999 was raised for the public charity on November 29, crushing the goal set by the organization that helps fund thousands of the sport’s youth teams.

“Thanks to Larry and Brenda Potterfield, we were able to add an additional $220,000 in Giving Tuesday matching and incentive dollars, contributing a grand total of $495,749.10 to youth shooting endowments here at MidwayUSA Foundation,” said MidwayUSA Foundation Executive Director G. Scott Reynolds. “Growing our endowments by nearly half a million dollars will put more dollars to work in our outdoor industry.” Close to 300 youth shooting programs received a donation on Giving Tuesday, despite tightened family budgets during this time of unchecked inflation and rising interest rates.

Youth shooting teams that participated in the fundraising event also had the chance to win additional funds to grow their respective endowment. The teams that received the most donations on Giving Tuesday received awards ranging from $5,000 to $1,000. In addition to the top teams, all other participating teams were entered into a random drawing, where 10 teams received $500 each.

Top-performing teams included: the Gaston Young Guns High School Shooting Team, winning $5,000; Taunton Marksmanship Unit, winning $4,000 and Trinity University, winning $3,000.

Donations made to youth shooting teams and organizations, now and through the end of the year, will also be matched by the MidwayUSA Foundation a 501(c)(3) public charity. The organization works to sustain and grow youth shooting sports by providing long-term funding to youth shooting teams. Every donation made is tax deductible and allows the Foundation to assist in expanding and enhancing the leadership skills, confidence and discipline of today’s youth through shooting sports activities.