October 17, 2013 (Washington, DC) – Among the great views of Childress Vineyards, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF), along with NASCAR legend and CSF Board of Directors member Richard Childress, hosted the 9th annual “Wine, Wheels & Wildlife” reception and dinner in Lexington, North Carolina yesterday. The event served as an opportunity to bring the NASCAR and hunting and fishing communities together to underscore the importance for sportsmen and women to have a voice in the halls of government and for attendees to enjoy the beautiful landscape and wine of Childress Vineyards.
Over 300 hunting and fishing enthusiasts, NASCAR representatives, sports legends, state legislators, and outdoor industry organizations and agencies from across the country gathered for “Wine, Wheels & Wildlife.” The event gave supporters of CSF the chance to enjoy outdoor activities, a raffle, and a live auction.
CSF President, Jeff Crane opened the event and gave a special thank you to host Richard Childress and recognized Childress’ support as a member of CSF’s Board of Directors. “When we started this event nine years ago, we wanted to focus on three of Richard Childress’ great passions: racing, wonderful Childress wines, and his commitment and dedication to hunting and fishing. The latter is where CSF comes into play as the only sportsmen’s organization located on Capitol Hill that works on federal and state policy issues.”
The evening also provided the opportunity to welcome Governor Pat McCrory of North Carolina as the newest member of the Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus (GSC). Governor McCrory’s membership in the GSC is particularly special as he becomes the 25th member of the GSC.
Governor McCrory addressed the crowd and talked about the positive impact sportsmen and women have in North Carolina. “I have a great deal of respect for this organization and what you are doing for the state of North Carolina and our nation. Sportsmen and women add to the local and national economy, at a time when the economy needs as much help as possible,” McCrory stated.
Childress, who has hosted “Wine, Wheels & Wildlife” with CSF since its inauguration in 2004, talked about the success the event has seen over the last nine years. “The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation is one of the greatest groups I’ve ever been a part of. It is because of the work they do that we are able to enjoy the sportsmen’s traditions and protect them for future generations. ‘Wine, Wheels & Wildlife’ is a great night for conservation and I am proud to have been able to host it at Childress Vineyards for the past nine years.”
“Wine, Wheels &Wildlife,” with the support of Childress Racing, has become a signature event among the sportsmen’s community, bringing sportsmen and women together annually to celebrate our sportsmen’s heritage.
CSF is fortunate to have broad support from our industry leaders. The 9th annual “Wine, Wheels & Wildlife” title sponsors included: Caterpillar, Childress Vineyards, Daimler, Jimmy John’s, Richard Childress Racing, and Smith & Wesson. Hosts included: ATK, Bass Pro Shops, The Buck Bomb, Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, Dallas Safari Club, National Shooting Sports Foundation, Remington Arms Company, LLC, Safari Club International, Shimano American Corporation, and Sports South, LLC.
Studies conducted at both the state and federal level have found that the number of hunters and trappers have been on a generally declining trend over the past several decades. To increase recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) of hunters and trappers, which initiative do you think would have the greatest impact?
