NRA banquet raises about $50K

More than 500 area supporters helped to raise more than $50,000 to support local shooting sports, gun clubs and the Second Amendment overall Saturday during the Quay County Friends of the National Rifle Association Banquet.

"The level of support from our area residents continues to amaze me every years," said Kent Terry, QCFNRA chairman.

The banquet was held at the Tucumcari Convention Center.

Terry said thanks to the support from the residents this year's banquet may have raised more than last years event ($52,000). He said for the past three years, Quay County has had the largest NRA banquet in the state.

"Our event raises more money than the other 22 banquets held across the state," Terry said.

The banquet raises money through the ticket sales, booths that residents buy tickets for a chance to win a firearm and a silent auction, said Viola Terry, QCFNRA treasurer.

"This year one of the silent auction items was a quilt made by Donna Hawkins and Zerelda Biffle," Terry said.

Viola said last year, the QCFNRA donated more than $19,000 to area gun clubs and Quay County 4-H youth shooting sports.

"None of this would be possible without the generosity of our members," Viola said.

Kent said along with the fundraising the banquet takes time to recognize local veterans. He said this year three living veterans, Ray Gorman, Ray McCoy and Richard Flint and one posthumous veteran Kelly Corbitt were honored.

"It is important to thank our veterans for their service," Kent said. "They served to protect our rights, the very rights we are trying to protect and preserve."