Organizers are hoping to gain greater exposure for a local literacy group by expanding fundraising efforts to include a European pheasant shoot on Saturday.

"We hope having the pheasant shoot will extend our reach to those in the community that were not aware of our mission, and it's working," said Sandy Lipkowitz, director. "We want to make more of Dawson County aware of our goal to improve literacy."

Reading Education Association of Dawson County's inaugural pheasant shoot will begin at 10 a.m. Oct. 18 and will be held at 2077 Afton Road, Marble Hill.

There will be 20 shooting stations and 300 birds released five at a time. Handlers with trained pick up dogs will be on hand to retrieve downed birds.

Complimentary bird cleaning will be provided and all birds harvested will be divided equally among all shooters.

Shooters will then rotate stations after a series of birds are released to assure equal opportunities for all.

The cost, $275 per shooter, includes breakfast and a catered barbecue lunch.

There are also additional opportunities to support R.E.A.D., including sponsorships for both the pheasant shoot and the group's annual ABC drawing.
"Just like we have done in the past at the Are You Smarter than a 10-year-old event, we are selling 26 letters," said Lipkowitz.

One letter will be drawn during intermission at the pheasant shoot. READ's annual scholarship will be presented in the supporter's name.

"We're looking forward to a beautiful day with a lot of fun," she said.

For more information, call (404) 483-2774.