NWTF members flock to Plains
<p>Keely Benson is presented with a scholarship check with NWTF Regional Director Tony Halpir at the Clark Fork Valley Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation's annual banquet. The check was for $1,000. </p>
PLAINS - Local businesses and sportsmen showed their support Saturday night for the Clark Fork Valley Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) at their 14th annual banquet. These type of banquets bring in several thousand dollars to the local, state and NWTF mission. The pavilion at the Sanders County Fairgrounds was close to max capacity and filled with prizes.
The NWTF is the nation’s only non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation and management of the American wild turkey. The banquet started off with a mixer and plenty of socializing.
Chicks N’ Chaps kept everyone’s thirst at bay throughout the night. Attendee’s tips assisted the Chicks N’ Chaps fight in the “Cowgirls Kicking Cancer” drive. These donations directly impact the women of Plains and Sanders County by providing breast cancer screening. The tip jar was brimming with donations thanks to all participants.
Visitors, families, existing and new NWTF members scoured the many prizes to be given away or auctioned off during the night to raise funds for the local chapter.
“We want people to know NWTF is not just about turkey hunting,” Chapter President Tony Colombo said. “The NWTF helps build habitat for all the game such as elk, deer, bear and even predators, which benefit us all.”
After the mixer attendees settled down to partake in a fabulous prime rib or chicken meal. However, before the food arrived the NWTF recognized all veterans in the room by awarding them a lapel pin for their service.
All the food for the banquet was prepared by the Plains Women’s Club.
“We were honored to prepare the meal. Funds from these type events help us fund a myriad of projects in Sanders County,” women’s club President Sandi Lane said.
Approximately one hundred attendees quickly finished their meal and were ready for the many drawings, giveaways and auctions. However, before the fun was to begin, Tony Halpir, NWTF Regional Director awarded Keely Benson of Plains a $1,000.00 scholarship from the NWTF.
Halpir acted as the master of ceremony. David Clinkenbeard of River’s West Auction kept the crowd entertained and squeaked every dollar he could out of the bidders.
With lighter pockets, full stomachs and all the prizes distributed the night can only be labeled as a huge success. As a reminder, turkey season opens April 12. Don’t wear the colors white, red, black or blue and clearly identify your target before pulling the trigger.