Macon Co. TN
NWTF Chapter President
What do you think of when someone mentions a “turkey hunter”? How about the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) or a hunter or conservationist? All of these things surely conjure up some image or idea in you mind, some may be good or even great. Some might not be so good. I would like to try and describe the image I see when I think of those people. You see, when I say those words the first thing that comes to my mind is the word “friend”.
Members of the National Wild Turkey Federation want to hold a benefit to raise money for disaster relief in Macon and Trousdale counties in Tennessee and Allen county Kentucky. “Turkey Hunters” from both states are set to converge on Lafayette, TN on Sunday April 6th at 4 PM at the Macon County Junior High School. These “conservationists” are coming to lend a hand the best way they know how, that is they want to raise a bucket full of money.
NWTF chapters and individuals from all over want to give back. These NWTF chapters, and some special individuals, are donating turkey and turkey hunting memorabilia to be sold or auctioned at the benefit. There may even be some special one-of-a-kind items at the auction as well. There is no charge to enter the event, as long as you arrive in the giving spirit. Doors will open at 4 PM and a meal will be served as soon as possible. We will have some games and an auction and attempt to finish by 7 PM. All of the money raised in this event will be spent locally in the areas which were hit by this devastating disaster.
Why do I think of these people as “friends”? When I see a family that has lost their entire home, furniture and pictures and clothes and memories, I am now finding one of those hunters there with compassion to say, “I have a gun to sell” to help raise money to help them. I see another family which has lost a total of eleven (11) barns, severely impacting their ability to earn a livelihood farming, and they say that they will build back because that is what they do and know. Why then I am finding a “special conservationist” who says with hope in her heart, “Here is $2,000. Buy a Gibson guitar and I will get it signed by a bunch of celebrities.” ( Rumor has it that guitar will be auctioned at this event.) I hear over and over of people in the community asking what they can do. That is when I also hear the echo of a NWTF volunteer from east, middle and western parts of the state say with determination and conviction, “What time do I need to be at the benefit to give and bid?”
All of these individuals are my friends. Those that have lost and those that want to help. Some need help and direction picking up the pieces of their lives. Some just need directions to the Macon County Junior High School and a time to be there. You see we all could do a better job of being a good friend to each other. On April 6th, we are going to help those hunters, conservationists, and NWTF members in doing what they can, raising money to be spent locally for disaster relief.
Can you see it now, the image of my friends. Bet you never thought about that picture looking anything like a turkey hunter. Gobble! Gobble!
Please come to the benefit on April 6th, 2008 at the Macon County Junior High School at 4 PM. For more information contact Mark Jackson (615) 441-3747, Tim Yates (432) 253-3227, or Charlie Tollett (931) 707-0043. You may also email Mark Darnell at mdarnell@nctc.com.
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