Benelli Invitational Raises $85,000 for Freedom Hunters

Proceeds from sporting clays event fund outdoor experiences for soldiers and military families.

ACCOKEEK, Md. – -(AmmoLand.com)- For the fourth consecutive year, the Benelli USA Invitational Shoot drew shooters from across the outdoor industry and the mid-Atlantic region, raising $85,000 for Freedom Hunters to support outdoor opportunities for combat veterans, active duty military personnel, and military families.

This year’s total funds raised eclipsed the previous high of $55,000 in 2017.

The Benelli USA Invitational Shoot took place on Friday, February 14 at Prince George’s County Trap and Skeet Center in Glenn Dale, Maryland. Attendees competed on a challenging sporting clays shoot in the morning then participated in a silent auction and raffle, whose proceeds also went to Freedom Hunters.

At the conclusion of the event, Benelli USA Executive Team General Manager Tom DeBolt, Benelli USA Vice President of Brand Marketing Tim Joseph and Benelli USA Digital Marketing Manager Laurie Gardiner presented a check for the $85,000 to Anthony Pace, Bud DePlatchett and Tom Deoudes of Freedom Hunters, representing the total amount raised through donations, silent auction bids and raffle ticket sales.

“We are extremely happy with the dramatic increase in the money raised at this year’s event. Support from the industry has been wonderful,” said Joseph, who also serves as a member of the advisory board for Freedom Hunters. “Not only are we raising dollars for an important cause, but the Benelli Invitational is also a great time to get together with industry partners and friends from across the country for a day of shooting, good food, and great camaraderie.”

Freedom Hunters is a military outreach program whose mission is to convey the outdoor community’s appreciation for the dedication of and sacrifices made by the men and women of the Armed Forces. Through the support of numerous groups and companies, including Benelli USA, Freedom Hunters arrange outdoor adventures and opportunities for active duty soldiers and combat veterans, as well as families of fallen heroes and children of those currently deployed. To learn more about Freedom Hunters, go to www.freedomhunters.org.

The success of the Benelli USA Invitation Shoot is a credit to the support and dedication of the following brands:

• Title Sponsors: Carnivore Media, HEVI-Shot, Kawasaki, Mechanix Wear, Habitat Flats, YETI, Rio, Owen J. Brown & Associates, Traeger Grills, Covey Sales & Marketing, Coreline Marketing, Scott Banasky, Benelli,
• Gold Sponsors: Kansas Governer’s Ringneck Classic, Banded, Avery, TTI, Bentley-Scott, Pestilli, and Associates
• Silver Sponsors: Breezin’ Thru Charters, Trijicon, Burris, Steiner, Bushnell, Crush TV, Beretta, LWRCI, Pelican
• Bronze Sponsors: SKB, The Jim Shockey Classic, Frogg Togg, Purina, Eddie Morris, Chesapeake Bay Beach Club, White Flyer, CVA, Apex Tools, Windham Weaponry, Josten’s, Irish Setter, GunPowder Bison, Edge Eyewear, EAR Virginia Inc., Duck Commanders, Pure Fishing.

About Benelli USA

Benelli USA is a world leader in manufacturing quality semiautomatic shotguns and rifles that are known for their ultra-reliability and high-performance standards. For the latest news and product information visit www.benelliusa.com.

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