Ducks Unlimited event raises whopping $50,000 in Monett

The Monett chapter of Ducks Unlimited held its annual fundraising event at the Monett City Park Casino on Oct. 10. According to area chairman Paul Wimsatt, the group raised $50,000 for the national Ducks Unlimited not-for-profit organization, to be used to promote conservation and hunting activities. Around 300 people attended and participated in a meal catered by Sylvia Dotson. The event included both 25 items in the silent auction and 45 in the live auction. Fifteen guns were given away in raffles and games, including a Wheel of Fortune game played for a mystery gun, where participants purchased keys. Due to insurance, winners did not take home their guns that night, but picked them up later from G&P Gun, near Purdy. Wimsatt said the total raised fell slightly short of last year’s efforts. In the photo above, as participants circle the room bidding on displayed auction items, are pictured duck decoys on the mantle. Wimsatt said chapters earn decoys for their fundraising, first getting three black ones, their three canvas-backed ones. The chapter is only one of three in the state to have earned an Eider decoy, at center.