2012 FCA Outdoors - Hank Parker Invitational

Martha and Hank Parker accept a painting from FCA's Alan Welch

Singer Rachel Holder and Danielle Worthen

NFL kicker Ryan Succop invents
KICK, SHOOT, RETRIEVE

Parker was filmed by the Sovereign Sportsman TV show

The ministry of the South Carolina chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) held the Inaugural Hank Parker Invitational Shoot on Feb. 2 at The Clinton House. Roughly five years ago TV show host Hank Parker of Union, S.C. agreed to be the spokesman for the newly envisioned FCA Outdoors outreach program. Under the supervision of FCA Upstate Director Alan Welch, this fundraising event brought together NFL stars, TV personalities, country music singers, and FCA patrons from all walks of life. A pheasant tower shoot began the day before a luncheon that featured NFL kicker, and former Gamecock, Ryan Succop sharing his message of what FCA has meant to him during his football career. A Sporting Clays contest was held in the afternoon on a glorious day to be in the outdoors enjoying fellowship with a christian emphasis. Before Hank Parker gave a fishing tips presentation I was able to ask him why he supports FCA? "We believe in taking the gospel and scripture of Jesus Christ into the S.C. public school system, and I'll do whatever I can to help spread that message," said Parker. With the sun setting some real fun was inspired by a fundraising idea for FCA. Several NFL footballs were on hand for Ryan Succop to sign and auction, and then the sporting crowd was told of another option - one with a real twist. Succop would kick the football into the pond at the Clinton House and the patron could shoot at it, before having it retrieved by a labrador and saved as a very unique souvenir. You'll have to watch the video! After dark, an awards dinner recognized the top guns from the clays shoot and several VIP's gave testimony about FCA. Next, Curb Records recording artist Rachel Holder took the stage and gave a mini-concert for the appreciative crowd, including a rendition of Amazing Grace. FCA Board Chair Willie McCutchen then presented Hank and Martha Parker with an oil painting of Hank in the outdoors with his two sons - just like their current TV show, Hank Parker 3D. Eric Richey and Forrest Parker of the Sovereign Sportsman added an African safari to the live auction items which included, a deer hunt with racing legend Cale Yarborough and other FCA-related items. This Hank Parker Invitational Shoot was a big success, and you can read more about it in my feature article in the Feb. 21 edition of The Charleston Mercury.

To see MORE PHOTOS from the event click here and here.