Banquet raises funds for Ducks Unlimited

NEVADA, Mo. -- The cause of North American wetlands and waterfowl conservation was given a boost last month when the Marmaton Valley Ducks Unlimited committee raised more than $5,000 at its first-ever Sportsman's Night Out event.

"It's comforting to see such an enthusiastic turnout at this year's fund-raiser," said Jason Meisenheimer, DU Event Chairman. "It is also reassuring to know that nearly 80 percent of every dollar we raise is funneled directly into DU's wetland habitat restoration programs throughout North America." Meisenheimer continued.

"I would like to congratulate the members of the committee who put together this year's event, and I would like to thank the individuals and businesses that donated their time and merchandise to make this event a success."

Committee members who made this event possible included Jason Meisenheimer, Don Meisenheimer, Heather Meisenheimer, Chris Daniel, Josh Cussimanio, Mackenzie O'Neill, BG Wolfe, Lana Wilson, Adam Barrett, Ray Sellers, Kevin Reaves, Doug Thomas, and Scott Sudkamp.

Sponsors of the event included Jerry Brendlinger, Wilson Tire, Wilkinson Pharmacy, B.G. Wolfe, Adam Barrett, Jason Meisenheimer, Jennifer Yarsulik with Stutesman's Action Realty, Don Meisenheimer, Renwick Insurance, Ron Schowengerdt, Seth Barrett, Mark Jackson, Russell, Brown and Breckenridge Law Firm, Timberhill-Riverbend, and Lathrop Construction.

These Sponsors each conserve an acre of wetland habitat in the United States this year with their donation. The wetlands these Sponsors restore benefit society by improving water quality, reducing the effects of flooding, replenishing groundwater supplies, and by providing places for game and non-game species of wildlife to live.

The services and support donated to the event by other local businesses are also very much appreciated. These include Elks Lodge 564, KNEM-KNMO Radio, Missouri Eagle, Bill Foster, Deems Equipment, J.J. Curtis, Wal-Mart, Orscheln, NAPA Auto Parts, Shelter Insurance, Rinehart Jewelry, US Bank, Producers MFA, and Shepard Team Auto Plaza.

Ducks Unlimited is the world's largest private sector waterfowl, wetlands, and wildlife conservation organization, with one million supporters and members in the U.S. Since its inception in 1937, DU has raised nearly $2 billion and conserved nearly 11 million acres of habitat throughout North America.

For more information about Ducks Unlimited, contact Adam Barrett, DU District Chairman at (417) 667-7297 or DU's National Headquarters in Memphis, Tenn., at (901) 758-DUCK (3825).