With a ‘sportsmen supporting children? mantra, the Clays-for-Kids Foundation of Clarkston is looking to help small charities supporting children of all ages.
Prior to Clays-for-Kids founding seven year ago, Paul Lemley and a group of lenders and friends met every fall for a sport shooting competition. The participants pooled their money and gave it to charities.
Once Jim Ward of the Ingenuity Group joined seven years ago, the event took a more formal nature resulting in the Clays-for-Kids Foundation.
In their mission statement, the group looks to help children’s charities in Michigan. Ward stressed Clays-for-Kids emphasis on aiding organizations dealing with groups rather than individuals.
Besides the financial contribution from Clays-for-Kids events, Ward explained that executive directors of charitable organizations can also receive management consultation service.
During those early fall outings at various locations, Clays-for-Kids consisted of about 60 shooters, but has since tripled. This year, Ward expects nearly 200 individual shooters working on teams of five.
According to cofounder Jim Ward, Clays-for-Kids gave away over $100,000 to Clarkston Oaks and the Children’s Miracle Network out of Beaumont Hospital.
‘We hope to raise around $50,000 this year,? said Ward.
The event is by invitation only, for those 21 years and older.
Despite the use of the word sportsmen, the group does have several female members.
‘There’s a fair amount of women. By sportsmen, we mean men and women. A woman has won our event,? said Ward.
Shooters bring their own firearm to the shotgun event.
‘We stress safety. We’re not just letting people come out and shoot. New shooters must demonstrate responsibility before shooting,? said Ward.
The next program day is September 8 at the Detroit Gun Club. Clays-for-Kids sells spaces to five person teams for $700. The fee covers lunch, a steak dinner, raffle prizes and shells.
New shooters are encouraged and will be given instruction before shooting clays, skeet and trap. The event will conclude with a dinner and awards, followed by an auction of some special hunting items provided by sponsors.
While this event is by invitation only, interested parties are encouraged to contact Jim Ward at 248-620-9625 or Paul Lemley at 734-261-2611.