RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES ANNUAL COLUMBUS HOUSE SHOOT

BY MATTHEW GAY

Once again, the Mad River Sportsman’s Club hosted the annual charity shoot to benefit the Columbus Ronald McDonald House. Since inception, this event has broken records year after year, and 2022 was no exception.

Breaking Records Like a Pro

After attending this event last year as a shooter and providing event coverage, one of the event organizers, Mark Allard, asked if I would be willing to serve as one of the “club pro’s” for this year’s event. It is important that the club and the organization ensure safety of the participants and fluidity throughout the event. As a result, the committee selects experienced sporting shooters to act as guides for the corporate participants that may have little or no experience on a sporting course. This position offers these attendees with guidance on how to break targets, instruction on proper technique and a trained eye on correction of errors when in the stand. This methodology makes for an allaround better experience for event

PHOTOS SUPPLIED BY MADDIE KNOSTMAN

attendees. It was an honor to do my part with the Columbus crew as this charity is near and dear to my family an myself.

In this year’s event, the committee not only beat last year’s amount, they beat the goal they had set for this year. After all the dust settled, $209,405.00 was netted for the Columbus House. The committee Co-Chairs Charlie Wharton and Mark Allard, along with Co-Chair Emeritus Dr. Phil Taylor explained that they were very pleased with the results.

Many Hands Make Lighter Work

The Ronald McDonald House provides vital support to families of ill children from all backgrounds. The success achieved across the country by partnering with clay shooters is a testament to the generosity of those in our sport. I am proud to continue my support for this very worth-while organization. The committee is always looking for experienced shooters to serve as “pros” for this event.