It all started with a dream of one man. A dream, that came into a plan that he presented to our family at Avery Outdoors to make a difference. A difference, that we could make through something we all love and value, hunting.
We all came together to put together donated hunts to be auctioned off live for the fight against cancer. There were over eighteen hunting trips in fourteen states donated. Mainly waterfowl hunts, since Avery Outdoors and Greenhead Gear are primarily a waterfowl driven company and other items were auctioned off this past fall in October of 2006. All proceeds from the auction benefitted the Lance Armstrong Foundation (www.LiveSTRONG.org).
When asking, “Why do this benefit?” event creator, Doug Steinke stated, “It's very simple most of us will be affected by cancer in our lifetimes and this our chance to make a difference; we want to do more than just wear a yellow bracelet. We want to be able to give the opportunity to someone to have a great time in the outdoors while supporting a great cause.”
I helped give back through a HDC Hunt down off the refuge in Rochester, Minnesota. There were four Avery Pro-Staffers in attendance including Brett Beinke, Ryan Barthel, Greg Owens and myself. We spent the day hunting geese out of pits and got to make some new friends and some great memories that day.
Soon, my own personal guided hunt for Snow Geese will be taking place in March in South Dakota. My hunt was auctioned off for over $1,000. I am looking forward to spending a few days out in the field with some new friends from California this spring to hunt for a great cause. (Look for a future article on the hunt.)
When I think of cancer, I think of all the people who I have known in my life who have fought and supported those we love so deeply. One way or another, it has touched our lives. I am so proud to be a part of a family like Avery Outdoors that represents hunters all across the World who can come together and give back. A special gratitude goes out to Doug Steinke of Nebraska, for taking his dream and turning it into a wonderful and successful organization. HDC’s first auction raised well over $10,000. Keep checking back on the HDC’s website for a future auction again. It can only grow from here and from here we will continue to give back to those who need us most, our loved ones. Live Strong!
