"Promise Kept" by Chuck Roy
More than a year ago, a small group of interested residents listened intently to an idea. An idea that was different. An idea that would support our local economies and utilize our area’s natural resources to establish an event unique in scope and focus.
The idea was to organize a trilogy of sporting challenges to tempt our sportsmen, to reward our local businesses financially, and simultaneously raise the awareness of what our tiny slice of East Texas has to offer. And, just for good measure, to donate a lot of money to a pure and noble charity.
The group responded with an outpouring of talent, time, and resources and made a promise to our community that this would be the best ever event. The Patriot Sporting Challenge (PSC) was incorporated and the plans turned into action with the execution of the “Lunkers, Bunkers and Clays” tournament.
The following is part of a news release that has made the front page of more than two dozen local and regional news outlets. I like to call this a “Promise Kept.”
Yantis, Texas - The Patriot Sporting Challenge recently presented to the Folds of Honor Foundation a check for $100,000 to support the educational opportunities for dependents of those U.S. Servicemen who have been lost in action or significantly disabled.
The Patriot Sporting Challenge’s inaugural event “Lunkers, Bunkers and Clays” was held at Lake Fork Texas on October 27 & 28 and featured 42 competitive 4-man teams competing in a trilogy of sporting events. This was a first ever challenge that coupled fishing, golf and shooting sports into a tournament format for determining a Challenge Grand Champion. The Links at Land’s End, Hidden Lakes Resort and Lake Fork presented the competitors a challenging arena for the competition. The winners received a trophy that is on permanent display at The Links at Land’s End as well as significant cash and merchandise prizes.
The check presentation was held in the corporate headquarters of Skeeter Boats in Kilgore, Texas and was attended by Mr. Jeff Stone, Senior Vice-President and General Manager of Skeeter and Ms. JoAnne O’Bryant, Senior Marketing Project Manager.
Skeeter was the Signature Sponsor for the event. Mr. Kelly Jordan, a Skeeter Professional Staff member, also attended and added his appreciation as a participant in the Challenge.
Presenting the check was Garry Schnabel, Director of the Patriot Sporting Challenge. Accepting the check for the Folds of Honor was Diane Nemecek, Regional Development Manager.
Mrs. Nemecek was thrilled to receive the donation and said, “This is an overwhelming honor to receive these funds to support the Folds of Honor mission statement, ‘Honor their Sacrifice by Educating their Legacy.’ This money will forever change the life of many dependents that have been adversely affected by the loss of a military family member. Many educational scholarships will be made possible by today's gift.”
For more about the Folds of Honor, including mission statement and history, see www.foldsofhonor.org
Check out the Challenge at www.patriotsportingchallenge.org or on Facebook: Patriot Sporting Challenge
