Safari Club International Foundation (SCIF) recently participated in SCI’s annual Convention in Nashville, Tennessee, celebrating conservation and hunting. As a leader in wildlife conservation, SCIF’s presence at SCI Convention marked significant achievements in advancing our mission.
SCI Foundation Conservation Leadership Award Gala, sponsored by Beretta
The SCI Foundation Conservation Leadership Award Gala, sponsored by Beretta, took place Tuesday evening, celebrating a strong commitment to wildlife conservation. This sold-out event brought together SCI Foundation’s generous and dedicated supporters, whose collective contributions raised vital funds to advance conservation, education, and hunting initiatives around the world.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious Conservation Leadership Award to Lee Anderson, recognized for his leadership and meaningful contributions to conservation efforts. The celebration was hosted by emcee Nick Hoffman, whose energy and passion added to an unforgettable evening honoring conservation excellence.
SCI Foundation extends its heartfelt gratitude to all attendees and supporters whose generosity and commitment make this mission possible, reinforcing our shared dedication to being “First for Wildlife.”
SCI Foundation Sables Brunch
The Sables Brunch was a tremendous success, bringing together 420 attendees for a morning filled with celebration, connection, and purpose. With Kristy Titus serving as emcee, guests enjoyed a vibrant program that included a Dream Adventure featuring one huntress and up to three Diana Award winners, a celebrity hunt with Jim and Serina Shockey, and crowd‑favorite moments like the Purses and Pistols Sweepstakes, Sables Sip and Social, and exclusive Sables booth merchandise, including a bespoke vest.
Supporters enthusiastically participated in fundraising efforts featuring 48 silent auction items and 27 live auction items, helping advance SCIF’s education programs in meaningful ways. From the dancing to the generosity on display, the Sables Brunch was a true celebration of community, commitment, and giving back.
2026 Veterans Breakfast Honors Service and Sacrifice
Nearly 200 veterans and supporters attended the 2026 Veterans Breakfast, hosted by the SCI Foundation’s Veterans Committee. Attendees included SCIF President‑Elect John Colglazier, SCIF Combat Veteran of the Year Kyle Tripp, keynote speaker Major General (Ret.) Mark O’Neil, Congressman August Pfluger, and partners from Trijicon and Union Hill Hunting.
The program featured inspiring remarks from John Colglazier and a powerful keynote from Major General (Ret.) Mark O’Neil, followed by a live auction and sweepstakes benefiting SCIF Veterans Committee programs. The Combat Veterans Award was presented to Kyle Tripp, with an Axis Deer Hunt donated by Union Hill Hunting, and Chapter Awards were presented to the Alamo City, Gateway, Lehigh, Mid Atlantic, Alaska, Georgia, Michigan, and Music City chapters. SCIF Veterans Committee President Mark Moore closed the event by thanking attendees, sponsors, staff, and veterans, setting a strong tone for continuing this meaningful tradition in 2027.
SCI Foundation University Program
At the SCI Convention this year, the SCI Foundation University Program welcomed 20 students—10 from Kansas State University, led by Dr. Adam Ahlers, and 10 from Auburn University, led by Professor Dylan Thomas—to network, learn, and engage with leaders across the wildlife and hunting conservation community. This year marked an important milestone for the program, adding a second university from last year and welcoming 17 more students than the previous year, reflecting its continued growth and impact.
The SCI Foundation University Program is designed to prepare the next generation of wildlife and conservation professionals by connecting students with industry experts and exposing them to the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation and the role hunting plays in conservation. Through hands‑on learning, leadership development, and networking opportunities at the SCI Convention, the program continues to expand its reach and invest in the future of conservation education.
$100,000 Dream Hunt Winner
The SCI Foundation Monthly Donor Program gained strong momentum at the SCI Convention, highlighted by the announcement of the $100,000 Dream Hunt Giveaway by Nick Hoffman. Thanks to the generosity of those who signed up as monthly donors, this sweepstakes was a great success—congratulations to our $100K Dream Hunt winner.
A heartfelt thank you to all who entered and continue to support SCI Foundation as monthly donors. With one sweepstakes period complete, a new period begins now, and we’re grateful to everyone who helped make it an incredible week celebrating conservation at the SCI Convention.
SCIF Blue Bag Program
The SCI Foundation Humanitarian Program’s Bell Family Blue Bag Program was proudly represented at the SCI Convention, with members of the Bell Family in attendance. We are deeply grateful for their continued dedication and support of the Blue Bag Program and its mission. Throughout the Convention, SCI members stopped by to pick up Blue Bags that they will fill and distribute during their travels and hunts—demonstrating the true spirit of conservation and compassion by showing that hunters care and give back.
