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| Country Goes Huntin’ Brings It Back To Camp For The Troops |
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| By AON Staff |
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Posted Friday February 19 2010, 2:04 PM |
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Rhett Akins is one of many country artists who’ve participated in the Country Goes Huntin’ events.
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Every year, when the silence of winter gives way to the sound of hammerin’ gobblers and yelping hens, Nashville’s biggest stars join the outdoor industry’s most popular personalities for an event unlike any other: Country Goes Huntin’.
Country Goes Huntin’ was born of humble beginnings and continues to grow each year because of the willing hearts that contribute to its success. The brainchild of childhood buddies, Sam Klement and Rhett Akins, Country Goes Huntin’ was designed to bring together two Southern passions, country music and hunting, to make a difference in people’s lives.
The premise is simple. Invite the hunting pros and country singers from around the country to come together in the Wiregrass region of Alabama, Florida and Georgia to raise money for worthy causes. Everyone comes at their own expense. For a list of this year’s ninth-annual line up of participating celebrities, please visit <www.country goeshuntin.com>.
When asked about the success of Country Goes Huntin’, Co-founder Sam Klement remarked, “It’s amazing how big the event has gotten. I am honored to have so many friends in the music and outdoor industry who are willing to give back to the community.”
Several years ago, while hunting in Missouri with Bill Hill and Border Bucks Outfitters for an episode of Realtree’s Monster Bucks, Sam met an active-duty Navy commander named Dean Castillo. Sam learned about an organization Dean founded nearly four years ago, the Sportsmen’s Legacy Foundation. The mission of the Sportsmen’s Legacy Foundation is to provide lasting, quality outdoor mentorship to children who have lost a parent or have a parent who has become physically challenged as a result of public service.
“I have lost more friends than I care to contemplate,” said Dean. “Everyone associated with the loss of these heroes suffers as a result. No one suffers more than the children who are left behind. We are committed to building a nationwide network of mentors for the purpose of providing lasting, quality outdoor mentorship to children who have lost a parent or have a parent who has become physically challenged as a result of public service. Tens of thousands of children no longer have access to the great outdoors as a result of their parent’s selfless sacrifice. Our efforts are devoted to giving children a vehicle to re-establish lost connections to nature.”
“We are thrilled to support the Sportsmen’s Legacy Foundation this year,” said Co-founder Rhett Akins. “Sam and I are proud to be able to support the children of our fallen or injured public servants.”
This year’s event will be unique in many ways. Traditionally, funds are raised through a concert at the conclusion of the event. In lieu of the traditional concert, The 2010 Country Goes Huntin’ extravaganza is launching a strategic campaign sponsored by Grand Slam Mobile Marketing, Anheuser Busch, the Waffle House, CAT-5 Cabins, Bad Boy Buggy, Bass Pro Shops, Bushnell, Thompson/Center Arms, Realtree, Eckerds, Lacrosse Footwear, Guthries Chicken and Under Armour, just to name a few.
Beginning March 1, 2010, individuals can text the letters “CGH” to 38066 for the opportunity to purchase and download a custom Michael Waddell turkey call ringtone. The cost is $1.99 per text, and a portion of each purchased download will be donated to the Sportsmen’s Legacy Foundation. When a ringtone is purchased, the buyer is automatically entered into a sweepstakes to win one of many exciting prizes including a Bad Boy Buggy, a CAT-5 Cabin and many other prizes from Bass Pro Shops, Bushnell, Thompson/Center Arms and many other fine manufacturers.
A no-purchase option will also be available by visiting <www.country goeshuntin.com> or <www.sports menslegacyfoundation.org>. The campaign will conclude on May 31, 2010.
Regarding the campaign, Michael Waddell stated, “As the National Spokesman for the Sportsmen’s Legacy Foundation and a seven-time Country Goes Huntin’ alumni, I’m excited to see the two great traditions of hunting and country music coming together to make a difference in the lives of these children that have suffered so profoundly.”
Professional hunter and a national advisory board member for the Sportsmen’s Legacy Foundation Alex Rutledge said, “As a father, I can think of nothing more important than embracing these kids and building relationships with them in the woods and on the water.”
Legendary turkey caller and hunter Eddie Salter added, “Any time you get this calibre of outdoor celebrities and country stars in the same block of woods, you have the recipe for an incredible time, and the turkeys may wanna be on the look out! As a proud national advisory board member of the Sportsmen’s Legacy Foundation, I wouldn’t miss this event for the world.”
To donate, please visit <www.sportsmenslegacyfoundation.org>. or go to <www.country goeshuntin.com>.
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