First Elk Camp in Texas Generates $1.5 Million
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
FORT WORTH, Texas - -(OutDoorWire.com)- The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has generated $1.5 million from its first-ever convention in Texas.
Proceeds from the organization’s 25th Annual Elk Camp & Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Expo, which ended March 8 in Fort Worth, will help support initiatives to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat. The Elk Foundation recently topped 5.7 million acres conserved or enhanced.
“Elk Camp is a showcase for our mission, accomplishments and the amazing spirit of our volunteers-and it’s also our largest annual fundraiser. This year our auctions grossed $1.1 million while new memberships, raffles, merchandise sales and public admission fees added another $400,000. We’re pleased considering the new site and economy,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO.
Highlights also included:
· Numerous awards and recognitions for Elk Foundation volunteers.
· Entertainment by country stars Randy Travis, Sawyer Brown and Travis Tritt.
· Appearances by NASCAR’s Richard Childress, Realtree’s Bill Jordan and Dallas Cowboys legend Walt Garrison who helped honor wounded veterans of the Iraq War.
· New winners in the RMEF/Leupold 2009 World Elk Calling Championships, including Al Morris of Payson, Utah, as the top new world champ in the Professional Division.
· Many celebrations of 25 years of conservation successes.
Event sponsors included Roper, Leupold, Cabela’s, Hunter’s Specialties, Mossy Oak, North American Hunter Magazine, Brunton, Browning, Boyt Harness, United Country and Budweiser.
Allen said, “We can’t say thank you enough to our sponsors, exhibitors and attendees for their continuing support. Together, we’re helping to shape the future of elk country.”
The 26th Annual Elk Camp and Expo will be in Reno, Nev., March 4-7, 2010.
About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation: Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.7 million acres-a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.
