Quail Forever Banquet held in Licking
Photo by Shari Harris
Steve Buckner, back left, and Neal Gately, center left, auctioned 13 Bean Creek turkey calls at the event. At back right is Brad Richards, one of the organizers of the event.
Over 180 people gathered at Intercounty Auditorium Saturday evening for Piney River Covey Chapter’s Annual Quail Forever Banquet. The banquet draws people from around the county, and proceeds help to fund scholarships, support 4-H shooting sports and support mentored hunts sponsored by the chapter.
This year, the group also provided a “Milkweed in the Classroom” curriculum for fifth grade students at Raymondville Elementary, Licking Elementary and the Warrior Christian Academy.
Ben Steelman received a scholarship this year. He is attending college at Drury University, where he is on the shooting team. Christian Hawn also received a scholarship. He is attending Missouri State. School activities prevented both scholarship recipients from attending the banquet.
Thirty-six sponsors and several walk-ins supported the event.
The banquet was catered by Savor Grill & BBQ. In addition, five raffle-type games were played, a raffle was held and both live auctions and silent auctions took place. Auctioneers Steve Buckner and Neal Gately auctioned Bean Creek turkey calls, paintings and hunting supplies, then for the 50/50, raffled groups of children. The child who had the card that was drawn for each group received a gun, and the person who won the bid for that group won the 50/50.
A fun time was had by all, with few leaving empty-handed.
Photos by Shari Harris
