The Coulee Region Friends of NRA recently held their spectacular Spring banquet at Stoney Creek Hotel in Onalaska, uniting more than 150 community members in a shared mission to support youth shooting sports in the region. The evening was filled with generosity, camaraderie, and an unwavering commitment to fostering the next generation of sportsmen and sportswomen.

The event opened with an invocation and prayer, setting the tone for an evening rooted in gratitude and purpose. As the night progressed, thousands of dollars and multiple rifles were donated by the Foundation to benefit the youth marksmanship programs for area gun clubs and ranges. Additional donations poured in to support Western Technical College and Luther High School trap teams, reinforcing the organization’s dedication to promoting safe and responsible firearm use.

Attendees had the chance to participate in several auctions, featuring an impressive array of items. A highlight of the evening was the auction of a guitar signed by country music star Lee Brice, which also included tickets to his concert in Wisconsin Dells. Another prized item was a football signed by the Green Bay Packers, drawing significant interest from sports enthusiasts.

In addition to the auctions, more than 30 firearms were given away throughout the evening. Among the standout prizes were a beautifully crafted Henry lever-action rifle and a Kimber 1911-style .45ACP. Other sought-after auction items included gear from USCCA, high-quality optics from Vortex, finely crafted tables from Hanson's Hardwood, MantisX training systems, and La Crosse Loggers memorabilia, ensuring that there was something for every attendee to appreciate.

The night concluded with an exciting bucket raffle, where participants eagerly placed their ticket numbers into the buckets of items they hoped to win. Among the fortunate winners at the table where I was seated, a Springfield XD 9mm found a new owner, while another friend walked away with a high-quality backpacking system.

The overwhelming success of the Coulee Region Friends of NRA banquet was a testament to the generosity of the community and the unwavering support for youth shooting sports. The funds raised will play a crucial role in ensuring that local teams, clubs, and ranges continue to thrive, providing young marksmen with the opportunities and resources they need to excel.

With an evening filled with excitement, camaraderie, and meaningful contributions, the Coulee Region Friends of NRA once again demonstrated the power of community-driven efforts in preserving and promoting shooting sports for future generations.