Events

South Carolina Foothills Chapter Features Special Presentation at Their Annual Banquet

Published

1 year ago

June 16, 2023

Press Release

EDGEFIELD, S.C.—The South Carolina Foothills Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation recently hosted their annual banquet, and this year’s event featured a truly special presentation.

The banquet was held at Evergreen Plantation in Starr, South Carolina April 28th, and attendees participated in various activities, including raffles, games, a live auction, a prize wheel for JAKES members and a BBQ dinner.

At the banquet, members of the Wolfpack MC were recognized for their dedication and service to the South Carolina Foothills Chapter. Roger Hunnicutt, with B&B Sporting Goods and Pawn and Jimmy Johnson, with Auction Services, were recognized for their many years of service as the chapter’s Federal Firearms Licensee and auctioneer.

Their unwavering past commitment and support were acknowledged as the group has embarked on a new mission to give back to the community, inspired by the memory of Dakota Brock. Dakota’s life was cut short in a motorcycle accident in 2021, when he was only 24 years old. Dakota had been actively involved with the Wolfpack MC and worked at B&B Sporting Goods and Pawn, leaving a lasting impact on those around him.

Honoring the memory of Dakota, these dedicated individuals embraced a renewed purpose to serve the community and make a positive difference. Through their grief, their ‘Pack’ has continued to keep Dakota’s memory alive through fundraising to bring toys to hundreds of children during the Christmas season. The toy drive serves families in need across Abbeville, Anderson, Hart and Oconee Counties in South Carolina.

In honor of what these individuals have done for the Foothills Chapter, they were presented with a $250 for the Wolfpack MC Christmas Toy Drive. By the end of the night, three other individuals and businesses had matched the chapter’s donation to the Wolfpack MC.

“It was an honor to be a part of this year’s banquet,” said Billie McCarter, NWTFSC Foothills Chapter president. “Giving back is what it’s all about. I know the Wolfpack MC will bring a lot of smiles to children’s faces this Christmas season, and that is something you can’t put a price on.”

Following the presentation, the live auction took place, showcasing an array of donated items, including a Labrador puppy, custom calls, and a chance at a guided quail hunt.

As the auction progressed, a special gesture was made to the JAKES members present. Each of these young participants received a slate turkey call, sponsored by Carolina Hood and Power Washing.

After the auction, the highly anticipated raffle drawing took place. This year’s general raffle was a true testament to the incredible generosity of the community, as almost all of the items in the general auction were donated, along with three firearms.

Overall, the event was a major success for the Foothills Chapter, as they almost doubled the funds raised and memberships compared to the previous year.

The funds raised through these events is an integral part of the organization and gives the NWTF the ability to allocate millions of dollars annually to the conservation of critical wild turkey habitat and the protection of North America’s hunting heritage.

Beyond conservation efforts, the raised funds also enable individual chapters like the Foothills Chapter to host their own events and make valuable donations to ensure that the local community benefits directly from the success of these events.

“I stepped in to help with the banquet at a critical time for the NWTF—during COVID,” McCarter said. “From there, our goal has been to grow and improve year after year and we have done just that. We want to be more than a banquet-a-year chapter and with the support we have received the last few years, we are on our way to hosting events in the very near future for the JAKES, WITO, and Wheelin’ Sportsmen. We cannot do that without the support of those who attend.”