Last week, Safari Club International Foundation (SCIF) joined SCI’s celebration of hunting and conservation at the annual Convention in Nashville, Tennesee. As the leader in ensuring the future of wildlife through conservation, education, and hunting, SCIF’s efforts at Convention marked significant milestones in furthering our mission.
The Convention commenced with the 9th Annual Beretta and SCI Foundation Conservation Leadership Award Gala, an event rooted in tradition and philanthrophy. Funds raised during this gala directly contribute to SCIF’s conservation initiatives. Notably, one of this this year’s featured auction items, lion darting in Tanzania, is in direct collaboration with SCIF’s lion collaring research project. The Gala raised more than $2,000,000 for sustainable use wildlife conservation and education. SCIF’s supporters are unmatched in their dedication to conservation and wildlife around the world, and this is most shown at the annual Beretta and SCI Foundation Conservation Leadership Award Gala.
Further showcasing this commitment, SCIF President Brook Minx is shown receiving a $200,000.00 Challenge Grant donation from Larry Bell on behalf of Ellen and Larry Bell for the establishment of a Humanitarian Services Endowment Fund for the organization. The goal for this Challenge Grant is to raise $650,000 to fully fund this endowment in support of the SCIF Bell Family Blue Bag program as well the Ellen and Larry Bell Emergency Relief Fund. Participating in receiving this gift are (l to r) are SCIF Major Gifts Manager Matthew Taylor, SCIF President-Elect Brian Welker, Larry Bell, SCIF President Brook Minx and Dr. Chris Comer, SCIF Dir. of Conservation & Education.
In support of the Ellen and Larry Bell Humanitarian Services Endowment Fund Challenge Grant, Lenny Wood, president of the West Texas Chapter of SCI is shown presenting a check for $100,000.00 to SCIF President Minx. This gift is a major stepping stone to help the SCI Foundation reach the above goal for the Foundation’s Bell Family Blue Bag program and the Ellen and Larry Bell Emergency Relief Fund. Participating in receiving this gift are (l to r) SCIF Major Gifts Manager Matthew Taylor, SCIF President-Elect Brian Welker, Lenny Wolf President SCI West Texas Chapter, SCIF President Brook Minx, Larry Bell and Dr. Chris Comer, SCIF Dir. of Conservation & Education.
Additionally, SCIF President Minx and Sables President Susan Hayes presented a $50,000 check to Delta Waterfowl representatives Rosemary McIlhenny and Scott Vance. SCIF is a supporting partner of Delta Waterfowl’s University Hunting Program at more than 100 colleges and universities. In the program, students, many of whom have never hunted, receive hunter education and learn how to shoot safely before going hunting and then preparing and eating the bounty from the hunt. (l to r) SCIF President Minx, Sables President Susan Hayes, Delta Waterfowl representatives Rosemary McIlhenny and Scott Vance.
The Convention also celebrated the success of the annual Sables Luncheon, a cornerstone fundraising event for SCIF’s education initiatives. With hundreds of women attending, the Luncheon had a record-breaking auction. The Sables Dream Hunt, donated by Keegan McCarthy, brought in $250,000! All funds raised contribute to educational programs aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of conservation principles among future generations.
Sables announced at the Luncheon the news about the SCIF-Sables’ partnership with New Mexico Department of Game and Fish to provide Learn to Hunt programs for underserved populations, including a Women’s Duck Hunt. They also shared the good news about the SCIF-Sables’ partnership with Delta Waterfowl’s University program.
The Veteran’s Breakfast was a huge success with 320 attendees. The Veteran’s Committee thanked Jim Shockey for being the Speaker at the event and Senator Marshall and Senator Sullivan for speaking at the event, as well.
We extend a sincere thank you to our donors and partners who ensure the future of wildlife. We encourage all hunters and conservationists to get involved in SCIF’s endeavors throughout the year and eagerly anticipate next year’s convention, where we will continue to promote and celebrate hunting and conservation.