NRA's Youth Hunter Education Challenge to Benefit from Major Gift from the Hal and Jean Glassen Memorial Foundation
FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA — The National Rifle Association (NRA) announced today that the Hal and Jean Glassen Memorial Foundation has pledged $50,000 over five years, to support the NRA’s Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC) in Michigan.
The impact of this gift was maximized through two special matching gift opportunities. August A. Busch, III is helping the NRA raise a total of $750,000 to benefit the YHEC program by matching $1 for every $2 given to the YHEC program by December 31, 2008. Additionally, Joe and Cindy Gregory are matching gifts or pledges of $25,000 or more with $1 to NRA Voice of Freedom programs for every $2 given to any NRA program by May 18, 2009.
Since 1985, the YHEC program has positively influenced more than one million young people, averaging nearly 50,000 participants nationwide each year. YHEC is recognized as the most comprehensive youth hunting program in North America. The program, hosted by volunteer NRA-certified instructors, is conducted under simulated hunting conditions. It provides the best practical environment for reinforcing and testing a young hunter’s skills. YHEC encourages young people to learn about hunting and wildlife conservation through hands-on instruction and competition.
Kayne Robinson, Executive Director of NRA General Operations said: ‘Youth hunting is at the crossroads nationwide. This gift from the Glassen Foundation will strengthen the future of hunting in Michigan by enabling more young people to enjoy our hunting heritage. We are grateful for their leadership and commitment.’
The Foundation was established in honor of late, former NRA President Hal Glassen in 1992 to provide financial assistance to promote the lawful use and possession of firearms, fund game bird research, and to provide for the welfare of animals. The Hal and Jean Glassen Memorial Foundation has a distinguished history of supporting NRA programs including the National Firearms Museum and NRA Youth Programs.
To learn more about opportunities to make a gift to benefit YHEC, contact Heide Kaser, Assistant Director for Strategic Giving, NRA Office of Advancement, (703) 267-1622, or visit www.nragive.com. To learn more about The Hal and Jean Glassen Memorial Foundation, call (517) 347-8789.
