The National Rifle Association is having a massive fundraising year, thanks in large part to gun-control efforts led by President Obama and his congressional allies.
Friends of NRA, a grassroots outreach program the NRA uses to host fundraisers and volunteer events, has raised an incredible $51 million in 2013. According to the the NRA, that’s over a million dollars more than they raised all of last year. They still have more than 200 fundraising events left to go before the end of the year.
“The success of this year’s Friends of NRA banquets would not have been possible without the hard work of our incredibly dedicated volunteers and attendees,” Sarah Budi, Director of Volunteer Fundraising, said in a statement. “Our success is a direct result of their efforts and the reason 2013 has been a record breaking year. Thanks to our supporters, the future continues to look bright for the shooting sports.”
“Funds raised by Friends of NRA protect our shooting heritage by supporting youth education, firearm training, range development, conservation efforts, and so much more,” said John da Silva, National Manager of Events and Marketing added. “From hunters, to competitive shooters, to those who are just proud gun owners, Friends of NRA ensures that all can enjoy the shooting sports for a very long time.”
The NRA Foundation Board of Trustees elected Birmingham, Ala. attorney Jim Porter as its president in May of this year.
“My father, former NRA President and Honorary Life member Irvine C. Porter, and mother instilled in me a great respect for our firearm heritage and constitutional freedoms,” Mr. Porter said at the time of his election. “I am honored to be able to continue their work to ensure that the inalienable right to keep and bear firearms for the defense of one’s country, family, and self is protected for future generations.”
Porter is in the first year of a two-year term heading the nation’s largest Second Amendment advocacy group.
Follow Cliff on Twitter @Cliff_Sims