Bringing Hope to Children: VSSA and Arlington Fairfax's Crush'n Clays Charity Event

Editor's note:  The below appeared in the Arlington-Fairfax IWLA member newsletter.  VSSA has made minor edits to the report for this post.

On June 10th, Arlington Fairfax IWLA (ARL-FX) co-hosted the Crush'n Clays charity event with the Virginia Shooting Sports Association (VSSA) at the Chapter's Skeet & Trap range. The turnout was fantastic, with approximately 100 enthusiastic shooters participating.   As if to endorse the event, the weather gods provided a perfect day, the sky-blue winds were light, and the temperature was in the 80s. 

This event holds a special place in our hearts, as over the past 24 years, VSSA and ARL-FX have raised over $400,000 in support of St. Jude.  Crush'n Clays is the longest-running shooting charity event in the nation as well as the longest running event supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  

On this day of camaraderie and giving, participants were treated to a memorable experience with ammunition, event t-shirts, and a delicious lunch from Tony' s New York Pizza in Manassas, Virginia. We want to extend our gratitude to Tony's for their fantastic catering and for helping make the day a resounding success. 

Entertainer Danny Thomas founded St. Jude Children's Research Hospital to treat children with cancer and other catastrophic illnesses. Their tireless efforts have significantly improved survival rates for childhood cancers over the years. Since its establishment, the survival rate for the most common type of childhood cancer, leukemia, has increased from 4 percent in 1962 to an impressive 94 percent today.  Moreover, the overall survival rate for childhood cancers has risen from 20 percent to 80 percent. We are proud to support such an incredible institution.  

Trap Shooting and Annie Oakley Event

The Crush'n Clays charity event featured trap shooting competitions with individual and four-person team categories. Participants demonstrated their skills with 25 targets from the 16-yard line and 25 from the 23-yard line. The team scores were determined by the best three scores on each squad. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Chapter's team, consisting of Scott Petitto, Sean Moore, Simon Williams, Steve Welch, and Pamela Meara, for winning the prestigious "High Team" award. Tom Muddleman emerged as the deserving recipient of the "High Over All" award.

In addition, to trap shooting, the ever-popular Annie Oakley event drew a tremendous number of participants. With over 70 entries throughout the day, the event showcased participants competitive spirit and camaraderie. Half of the entry fees were awarded to the winners of each squad, with the remaining half going to St. Jude. We commend the winners who generously donated their winnings to the event, embodying the true spirit of giving.

Gratitude to Sponsors and Volunteers

VSSA and ARL-FX would like to express our deepest gratitude to the sponsors who supported this event who were; The Arlington-Fairfax Chapter, Inc., Virginia Shooting Sports Association, Suburban Electric, Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, D & F Construction, Mid-Atlantic Bowhunters, Tony's New York Pizza, Eastern Bullet, Equipment Works, Jeff Hafkemeyer, The Gilbert Family, and NOVEC. All played a crucial role in ensuring the success of this year's Crush'n Clays event.

Finally, VSSA would like to express a special round of applause for the hosts of this event and all the hours they donated of their time to see it happen, Arlington Fairfax's Bob Brino and Pamela Meara. Bob and Pam work hard each year on behalf of the club and Bob always donates the targets used for the event.  Pam spent a great deal of time and work this year to recruit sponsors for this event and played a major role in the success of the event.  Finally VSSA would like to thank Board members Joe Turner (also an ARL-FX member) and Andrea Smith, as well as VSSA Executive Director Lu Charette, who also played major roles in the success of this year's event.