Hampton Wildlife Fund - 30th Anniversary Spartanburg Banquet

Larry Cook received special recognition for 30 years of service;
HWF Chair Dr. Juke Leary, honoree Larry Cook, 
presenter DNR Major Jamie Landrum, 
HWF Director Jim Goller and HWF Secretary Mary Pugh

To say that the Spartanburg Memorial Coliseum was packed with wildlife enthusiasts would be an understatement. Big numbers of people began showing up before the 6 p.m. start time in order to get admitted into what may be the largest conservation event in the state of South Carolina. The Hampton Wildlife Fund (HWF) continues to enjoy widespread support in this section of the foothills, and a special recognition went out to some of the key folks, including Larry Cook - HWF treasurer, that have been in place as volunteers from the beginning.

Raffles, silent auction and live auction over the past 30 years have added up to be more than 1.3 million dollars raised for S.C. wildlife via the Sparkle City Hampton Fund - that's quite an achievement!! The huge crowd wasn't kept hungry for long as a big barbecue supper and a large Beaufort stew was served up prior to the auctions. Hampton Fund's Jim Goller was on hand to greet dignitaries like SCDNR Chief Alvin Taylor and a number of S.C. game wardens. Hampton Fund board members and SCDNR board members sat at the head table and discussed those who had come before them, and the night's program lists more than 50 names 'In Memoriam' - a real testament to just how long this event has been going on.

Raffle girls were on hand to help sell tickets!

Liva auction highlights included a wooden bench with Hampton Wildlife Fund branded on it, several bird carvings, wildlife prints, a coon dog puppy, custom knives, a 1989 Ram Charger Truck, gun safe, gas grill, 4-wheeler, and trips to hunt wild boar, deer and quail. Nearly 50 items in all went home with the bidders that were happy to raise money for the cause of the outdoors. For more information about upcoming banquets in your area visit the Internet at Hampton Wildlife Fund.

To view past blog entries about the Hampton Wildlife Fund click here.

For the latest Lowcountry saltwater fishing report click here.

Game Wardens chipped in at the Wingspan raffle for a YETI

Raffle items were wildlife-oriented

Packed House - well done!!

For the latest birding journal observations click here.

Good looking coon dog puppy for the auction

Rob Donlin family and friends