VFN: Let’s Get Ready to Rumble!
They stood on their chairs. They cheered. They stood on table tops. They cheered. They hugged. They cheered. They rang cow bells. They cheered. They fired confetti bombs into the air. And they cheered some more.
“They” are the RMEF’s volunteers, who selflessly give their time, talents, money and energy for RMEF's mission. They number more than 10,000 strong across the United States, and are indeed the heart and soul of the organization.
RMEF honored its volunteers at a rowdy and spirited event at the 2013 Elk Camp in Las Vegas dubbed, appropriately enough, Volunteer Fun Night. More than a thousand colorfully clad, energetic volunteers and members packed the Mirage recognize the efforts of chapters across the country.
The event featured a boxing theme complete with a ring announcer to get things rolling and later two ring girls who helped signify three separate rounds of award announcements during the
Outstanding Chapter Awards presentation.
RMEF also recognized four exceptional individuals through its 2012 Chairman’s Awards, including Taylor Orr of London, Kentucky (Cumberland Valley Chapter); Steve Hopkins of Tucson, Arizona (Tucson Chapter); Tim Jacobson of Kenosha, Wisconsin (Des Plaines River Chapter); and Greg Harris of Moscow, Idaho (Palouse/Whitepine Chapter).
Three outstanding young people representing the next generation of RMEF volunteers were also honored at the event through the 2012 Youth Awards, including Stephen Weimann of Vero Beach, Florida (Indian River Chapter); Katherine Johnson of Elk River, Minnesota (Elk River Royal Chapter) and Seth Wilson of Castle Rock, Colorado (Castle Rock Chapter).
The coveted 2012 progressive raffle prizes went to William D. Lilly (Mountain Home Chapter, Arkansas), winner of the Remington Idaho Elk and Deer Hunt; Charles Turner (Chestertown Chapter, Maryland), winner of the Colorado Archery Elk Hunt; and Brian Biggs (Hobbs Chapter, New Mexico), winner of the Tomberlin Vanish UTV.
The evening wrapped up with a balloon drop followed by dancing to a rocking performance by country star Ronnie Dunn and, you guessed it, more cheering.
Special thanks to Hunter Specialties, who sponsored the evening and helped make it a huge success.
And once again, hats off to you, RMEF volunteers, for all you do!