INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Skeet shooters and supporters assembled last Saturday at the Windsor Gun Club’s new location on the grounds of Indian River Trap and Skeet for the 13th annual Charity Shoot to benefit the Education Foundation of Indian River County.
“It is the last shoot of the season for Windsor,” said Falardeau.
“Nicky Szapary and Dede Snowden, a board member and a big supporter, started it 13 years ago.”
Szapary, Windsor gun pro, oversaw the event, insuring the safety of participants and spectators alike, as teams of three shot at bright orange disks (clay pigeons) which had been flung into the air by mechanized traps.
Teams were randomly drawn to level the playing field, with scores based on a combination of results from Driven Game Simulation and Quadruple Three Stand competitions.
“Everyone here is a very committed donor to the Education Foundation,” said executive director Cynthia Falardeau, noting close to $20,000 had been received in sponsorships alone.
“We like it because it’s really a chance for us to talk to our sponsors and tell them a little about where their dollars are going. Sometimes at large events you don’t have a chance to talk to them and tell them how much their support means. It’s my favorite event really for that reason. We have a lot of regulars; it’s kind of like a homecoming event.”
In addition to seasoned marksmen, a few novices turned out as well, including Bill Becker.
As his team finished their round, he laughed about the number of Mulligan’s they had used and asked, “What do I owe – about a thousand dollars?”
The shooting may have been in fun, but he and wife Lisa take education and the plight of children in need seriously, introducing the concept of the Sneaker Exchange to Indian River County.
Administered through the Education Foundation, the program provides shoes through Payless ShoeSource to eligible students from pre-K through high school.
“We’ve been involved with the Education Foundation for years. We just love it,” said Becker.
Wes Gensel brought a selection of his Monte Pascoal cigars for everyone to sample and also participated for the first time.
“It’s a lot of fun; definitely more powerful than my BB gun!”
“The Education Foundation is near and dear to Kathy and my hearts,” said presenting sponsor Jay Campana, owner of Vero Beach Chrysler Jeep Dodge.
He and others spoke approvingly of the new location saying, “I had not been to this range before, but it’s nice. I really like it.”
“This is where we first started; then we went to Platt and now we’re back,” said Windsor Club manager Robert Gallagher, adding that the location off 82nd Avenue is more convenient for their members than the Platt Station north of Fellsmere.
“We come every year to this shoot,” added Gallagher referencing his sweet Labrador Fenway. “This is a great event and really terrific for the community.”
First place honors went to Dede Snowden, Pat Welsh and Peter Burchfield; second place to Jay Campana, Karl Auersperg and Todd Marchant; and third place to Hazard Campbell, Gary Sparkman and Steve McGilliicuddy.
Proceeds from the Charity Shoot benefit the Education Foundation of Indian River County’s Programs: The Sneaker Exchange, the School Fund, the Indian River Regional Science & Engineering Fair, the Great Ideas! Grants, and Teacher Development initiatives.