2013 Bluffton / Hilton Head DU Banquet

Happy DU volunteers sell golf cart raffle tickets

Chair Larry Muething, Josh Boyles,
Michael Perry and Craig Edwards

The 35th annual Bluffton / Hilton Head Ducks Unlimited banquet had a new location in 2013, at the Pepper Hill Plantation equestrian facility. The supper and auction was held under the gigantic pole barn and the threat of cold weather never materialized, which translated into a comfortable evening outdoors. Everyone passing through the check-in saw the golf cart raffle up close, and then they proceeded to walk down the silent auction table. Each year this event brings quality items to bidders like the iron garden bench, distinct walking staff, black and white duck print, ladies jewelry and other DU logo gear. The banners of the chapter sponsors hung behind the auction table, demonstrating the level of preparation that chapter chairman Larry Muething and his committee had put in for this night 'for the ducks.' A capacity crowd had one such member talking about how this looked a lot more like the crowds ten years ago, and that local businesses must be prosperous once again. There were plenty of fan favorite games to play such as Hi-Lo and Wingspan before supper. A catered dinner from Palm Key served to sate the appetite of these outdoors loving patrons - some of whom were able to rise before dawn and take advantage of the opening day of waterfowl season! A special sponsor raffle preceeded the live auction, and this chapter holds other events for their sponsors such as the annual sporting clays event at Turkey Hill. Congrats to sponsor Brian Rose for winning the sponsor gun, which was one of thirteen guns on the fundraising menu. Auction items included a beautiful Audubon print of canvasback ducks, a 15-foot Ocean Kayak, a guided turkey hunt, inshore flats fishing, a SEWE patron package, a special local quail hunt at R and M Plantation, and even a black lab puppy! A three-tier raffle at the end of the night made sure that plenty of people went home with something that they can use in the outdoors. The list of committee members is long and distinguished and they all deserve a salute for their drive to help preserve wetlands for waterfowl.

Anna Malphrus and Alexis Bienette support the ducks!

Chance Rose, Becca Ross and the DUDE Brad McDonald

To view past blog entries from the HHI DU banquet click 2012, 2011