Saturday April 12, 2008, Brewer, Maine - Our 26th Annual Banquet was a huge success! We had a sell-out crowd this year, with special awards, guests and speakers.
There was a brief Annual Membership Business Meeting and Election of Directors; Recognitions and Awards; Door Prizes; Raffles; and a live Auction of donated items. Over all we set a new record for income from all phases of the banquet. These vital funds will go towards our operations and programs in Augusta.
Special thanks to Jeff Bellmore, his wife Laurie and daughter Emily, for organizing the banquet, and to Rick Hill for putting together his presentation.
Elections
The Directors elected to 3-year terms are:
- Jeff Bellmore
- Don Dudley
- Bert Goodman
- Matt Libby
Outstanding Service Award
The Outstanding Service Award was presented to Don Dudley.
Keynote Speaker
Thanks to our Keynote Speaker, Doug Painter, President of the National Shooting Sports Foundation.
Super Raffle Awards
The Super Raffle Committee chairman, Bert Goodman, presented the top Super Raffle ticket sellers with Marlin Model 1895G "Guide Guns" customized with the MPGA logo engraved on the stock. Thanks to Marlin Firearms for their support for this award, and to Don Pummill of the L.L.Bean Hunting Pro Shop for handling the firearms transactions.
Auction
Some great items were auctioned at the banquet. All items were donated by sponsors and members who strongly believe in the MPGA. Here are just a few more of the many items from our 2008 Auction:
- Custom Marlin Guide Gun
- $500 North Maine Woods Gift Certificate
- Spinning Rods and Reel sets
- Bear bait
- Bass Carving
- 50 Gallons of Home Heating Fuel
- Heavy Pine Coffee table
- Custom Carved Turkey Calls
- LL Bean fly rod
- Canoe Paddles Handcrafted by Grand Lake Stream Guides
- David Footer Prints
- Paintings
- Handmade afghans
Check the list of many more items and photos.
2008 Banquet Sponsors
A tremendous thanks to our Banquet Sponsors who gave donations above and beyond the norm. Their contributions are a critical part in maintaining our presence in Augusta. Please give them your thanks when you shop or do business with them.
Featured Sponsors:
Table Sponsors:
- Cheney Insurance
- Dead River Company
- Grand Lake Stream Guides Association
- Huber Resources
- Katahdin Forest Management
- Maine Forest Products Council
- Plum Creek Timber - Fairfield, Maine
- Prentiss & Carlisle
- Seven Islands Land Management Company
- Sportsman's Alliance of Maine
We hope to see you at next year's Banquet, so watch for the schedule and reserve your seats early!
Be sure to MAIL in you reservation form by March 31, 2009.
See you on April 11, 2009!