Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
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12 UCW MARCH 11-17, 2020 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM EVENTS The Cape Fear Friends of Na- tional Rifle Association will host the Annual Banquet and Auction Saturday, March 14, at 4 p.m. at Paradise Acres Event Center, 1965 John McMillan Rd., Hope Mills. There will be a raffle, auction and, of course, great food. "We are family friendy," said Tony Forte, committee chairmen. "We are apolitical. Our issue is putting funds into programs that keep shooting sports safe and renewable." Friends of NRA is the fund- raising program under the NRA Foundation. Cumberland and Harnett counties provide a grass- roots effort to ensure the future of safe, responsible firearms owner- ship and participation in shooting sports. The event also helps raise money, in particular, for funding youth safety programs in eastern North Carolina. The organization hosts youth competitions, train- ing and safety courses and pro- vides scholarships to help ensure the future of shooting sports for America's young people. "Some of the things that excite me is we have more and more success locally with programs," said Forte. "The Eddy Eagle gun safety program teaches that guns are not toys and that kids should 'Stop. Don't touch, Run away and tell an adult.' I am excited to see what the Fayetteville Police Department is doing with Eddie Eagle and Operation Ceasefire. We support those programs. We support 4-H, sharpshooter clubs, the scouts. You name the group, and if they are eligible to receive a nonprofit grant, we do everything we can to ensure — if they mmeet the requirements — that we get them something. Last year, we had $750,000 in grant requests. We were able to support $250,000. The demand for educatioon and safety programs is insatiable." The Friends of NRA was founded in 1992, and the Cumberland and Harnett Committee started in 1994. Over the years, this one com- mittee has paid out more than $ 1 million in North Carolina. The Friends of NRA provides a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports. Across the country, more than 13,000 volun- teers work tirelessly to make these events happen with the generosity of attendees and donors who sup- port their efforts. "We are a zero sum charity," said Forte. Eeverything we bring in goes back as grants. We are all volunteers. The committee tries to limit our overhead to less than 1%." There is something for everyone at a Friends of NRA event. From the moment you walk in, the atmo- sphere is brimming with excite- ment, and they will make sure you have a good time. Not to mention all the great people you'll meet in the process. Forte added that the auction items include several firearms, and other items like luggage and outdoor equipment. "If you are serious about youth safety and firearms," said Forte. "Outside the political arena, there's one known resource to get that done, and it is the NRA foundation." Contact Tony Forte at 254-289- 9738, Jerry Parsek at 910-309-9755 or Don Talbot at 910-977-7776 for more information. Purchase tick- ets online at https://www.friend- sofnra.org/eventtickets/Events/ Details/34?eventId=57226, or visit the Facebook page, "Cape Fear Friends of NRA." The group also has a sponsorship and underwrit- ing program. Donations are always welcomed and are tax-deductible. Cape Fear Friends of the NRA host banquet and auction by JIM JONES The Cape Fear Friends of the NRA sup- ports several youth safety programs like 4-H, scouting, sharpshooter clubs and more. JIM JONES, Motorcycle Enthusiast. Comments? Editor@upandcomin- gweekly.com. 910- 484-6200. AUTHOR Melody Foote Director of Communications Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau B U L L E T I N Download a mobile app for exploring Cumberland County. JENNY BELL RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF THE TOP 40 UNDER 40 IN 2020 Jenny Bell, Communica ons and Social Media Specialist at the Fay- e eville Area Conven on & Visitors Bureau, was recognized as one of the community's top 40 business professionals under 40 for 2020. Not only are the 40 selected professionals recognized for reaching heights in their careers, the honorees have extensive records of serving the community and giving back their me, talent and treasure. Jenny oversees all of the FACVB's social channels, runs the Faye eville NC Blogger network and develops, researches and writes all Go Fay- e eville blogs. In doing her job, she works closely with each department and marke ng partners to showcase our ac vi es through various out- lets. She's our cheerleader! While her day job keeps her busy, Jenny also finds the me to serve our community. She has been ac ve with NC CEED, serving as a member of the Women's Business Center Advisory Board and on the Events & Promo ons Commi ee. Currently, she is a Board Member of Sweet Tea Shakespeare and serves as a Mar- ke ng Commi ee Co-Chair for Connec ons of Cumberland County. One of Jenny's favorite quotes illustrates her approach: "We are each other's harvest; we are each other's business; we are each other's magnitude and bond:" - Gwendolyn Brooks Congratula ons, Jenny! GIFT SHOP SALE Our Visitor Center at 245 Person Street is having a Buy One Get One sale through the end of the month. For the en re month of March, purchase one item and get another similar item at the same price for free. The gi shop sells T-shirts, postcards, key chains, hats, locally made jelly, honey and other food and gi products. The gi shop is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.