Pulling for Heroes benefits our area first responders

By CINDY THOMAS, Staff Writer

Last Saturday’s hot weather didn’t deter Taney County 100 Club members and friends, area first responders, and local businesses from participating in Pulling for Heroes, a sporting clays benefit shoot held at Ozark Shooters Sports Complex, 759 U.S. Hwy. 65 at Walnut Shade.

Proceeds from the event, including individual and team entries and sponsorships, silent auction items, and raffle tickets, went toward the Taney County 100 Club’s mission of supporting families of fallen Taney County first responders.

“When a family experiences this tragedy, our goal is to give them a check they can use right away, no strings attached,” said Club board member J.B. Henderson. “Even though they may eventually get insurance or other funds, paperwork can take a long time and the mortgage, food and other household expenses still need to be paid.”

Thirteen teams participated in Saturday’s shoot, including teams of first responders from the Taney County Sheriff’s Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Western Taney County Fire District, and Taney County Ambulance District sponsored by local businesses. Several other area businesses, along with the committee to re-elect Judge Tiffany Yarnell, also sponsored teams, and individuals who signed up were grouped into additional teams.

Western Taney County Fire District team prepares

Special to Branson Globe

First place in the First Responder division went to the Western Taney County Fire team, sponsored by Tri-Lakes Ford. Each team member received a prize of a round of sporting clays from Ozark Shooters, plus of course bragging rights. Highest overall shooter in that division was Taney County Sheriff Deputy Austin Castro, who received a gift certificate for a $175 car detail donated by Tacomo Cars.

In the open division, first place went to the Sharp Shooters, composed of Kevin Speer, Claudia Hershey, Ron Anderson and Robin Anderson. They received prizes of free oil changes. Highest shooter in that division was Ron Anderson, who also received a free round of sporting clays for his efforts.

Winner of the S&W 9mm M&P Shield Plus gun raffle was Brent Brightwell. Each contestant was also entered into a raffle for additional giveaways including Taney County 100 Club mugs and shirts and a date night of dinner and a movie, donated by IMAX Entertainment. In all, the day’s event raised over $4,000 for first responder families.

Taney County 100 Club members

Special to Branson Globe

Taney County 100 Club board members expressed thanks to businesses who donated prizes and silent auction items as well as to the host venue, Ozark Shooters Complex, which regularly hosts benefit shoots and special events for area groups and nonprofits. Ozark Shooters offers a full range of sport shooting services on 63 acres of wooded, open and rolling terrain. Learn more at the Ozarks Shooters Sports Complex Facebook page, or by emailing shoot4me@centurytel.net or calling 417-443-3093.

Taney County 100 Club t-shirt

Photo by Cindy Thomas

The 100 Club concept dates back to 1952 when a businessman reached out to friends to support the widow and unborn child of a young Detroit police officer killed in the line of duty. Individuals and businesses are encouraged to join their local 100 Club and/or attend regular fundraisers, as a way to support and give back to those individuals whose dedication to keeping communities safe often goes unappreciated until it is desperately needed.

Plan now to join next year’s Pulling for Heroes, already on the calendar for June 24, 2023. Learn more about the Taney County 100 Club at www.taneycounty100club. com. Stone County residents can check out Stone County 100 Club at www.stonecounty100club.com.