South Gibson County Area Chairman Jonathan Roland has developed a reputation for being a dyed-in-the-wool waterfowl hunter, a fired-up DU volunteer and one of the most upbeat people you can ever hope to meet. He and his great South Gibson County committee proved their mettle on Saturday night, April 14, when they hosted a local record-setting DU event at the Medina Elementary School.
Initial numbers indicate that attendance was up nearly 35% and dollars for the ducks were up nearly 50%. And the event went off like clockwork, featuring a terrific Outback-catered meal and a variety of fundraising activities, including a sell-out goose band raffle on a special shotgun and a successful pre-event Benelli Nova raffle. Jonathan and his crew were also successful in selling a number of corporate table sponsorships. District Chairman John Hopper played a key role, as well, in the set-up and success of the event.
Committee member/auctioneer Spike Jones and his straight man Wade Newbill did an entertaining and successful job with the live auction. And State Chairman Don McCrory was present to enjoy the evening and introduce some special awards and special people. Don proudly announced that the South Gibson Chapter was recently recognized not only as a qualifier for the 50 Acre Club award, but even more importantly, was one of very few chapters in the nation that qualified as recipients of the initial Bronze Level DU Presidential Citation Award. Congratulations, South Gibson County DU!
Don also recognized a well known and much respected Tennessee DUer for his past and continuing support. Past Tennessee State Chairman Dr. Mark Holifield, of the Jackson area, was presented his Diamond Life Sponsor plaque for the completion of that generous major donor contribution. Then, in an even more generous gesture, Mark announced his pledge to the next major donor level of Sponsor in Perpetuity. Thank you, Mark!
Well done, Jonathan. Many thanks from DU to you and your committee, comprised of: Spike Jones, Tim Smith, Del Reid, Wade Newbill, Wes Bradley, Steve Garner, Jason Roland, Brandon Bailey, Robert Frazier, Ken White, Aaron Rowlett, Bubba Simmons and CJ Vincent.
Food was catered by Outback Steak House and was excellent.
TN Biologist Tim Willis (left) and Keith Clifton of the Jackson DU Chapter.
Wade Newbill on the left and Spike Jones (Cap on backwards, Yo, dude!) as their own local chapter auctioneer. Spike did a great job.
State Chairman Don McCrory (left) and Dr. Mark Holifield (former state chairman)... Dr. Mark has fulfilled his commitment to Diamond Life sponsor and has committed to the next level of Sponsor in Perpetuity.