The Dawson County chapter of Young Life held its second annual sporting clay fun shoot at the Etowah Valley Sporting Clays Park June 21. "It's been a great day so far," said Shawn Dutcher, director of Dawson County's Young Life chapter, a Christian-based organization dedicated to providing community teens with positive after-school activities. "Working with the kids I think is very important, so we're out here trying to support that," said Dawson County resident Keith Burlingame, who along with his wife Connie, participated in the $75 per person skeet shoot. Dawson County Young Life Committee member and former chairman Bill Burt said the event raised more than $5,000 and served as a testament to the community support that Young Life has garnered since the organization came to Dawson County in 2001. "We have to generate all of our funds locally. Our budget is provided by individuals, businesses and corporations. All of the banks support us," said Burt. Brent Tower of Tower Automotive distinguished himself in the competition by taking first place, while several other participants won in the fundraiser's raffle. "We have so many people and businesses to thank for making this fundraiser possible," said Young Life Committee member Richard Widmer, speaking of the several local businesses that sponsored the fun shoot. Ernie Elliott Inc., Amicalola Propane, Stewart Title Gaurantee Co., 400 Jewelry and Loan, John Megel Chevrolet, Appalachian Bankshares Inc., Chestatee Ford, Bearden Funeral Home, Indalex Inc., State Farm Insurance, Townley Construction, Lowman and Associates, Arrowhead Energy Inc. and EFG Group were among the fun shoot's sponsors. Each sponsor donated $250 apiece. "Young Life is an organization that must be supported by the people in the community. It is a national organization, but still the support comes from the people," said Widmer, who hopes next year's fun shoot will be even more successful. E-mail Adam C. Stapleton at adam@dawsonnews.com.
Residents shoot clay for fun and funds
Young Life Sporting Clay Fun Shoot a success
