2020 Benelli Invitational Breaks Fundraising Record for Freedom Hunters

Proceeds fund outdoor experiences for veterans and military families

ACCOKEEK, Md. (November 9, 2020) – In its sixth year, the annual Benelli USA Invitational event raised a record amount of $100,000 for Freedom Hunters – a group that supports outdoor opportunities for combat veterans, active duty military personnel and military families. Due to COVID-19, the in-person shooting event pivoted to an online format. Together, donations from industry partners, an online action, the Benelli Match Donation and other events combined to generate the funds.

“Breaking the fundraising record without hosting an on-site event is a testament to the resiliency of the American people and their willingness to step in to help those in need,” said Benelli USA General Manager Tom DeBolt. “Despite not having the shoot, great food, friendly competition and the comradery that comes with a normal event, we were still able to create a new benchmark in fundraising. We would like to thank all of those who contributed both items for auction and monetarily, and also the ones who put in the hard work to pull this together during these challenging times.”

The annual event is normally hosted at Prince George’s County Trap and Skeet Center in Glenn Dale, Maryland. Industry partners annually sponsor shooting teams and provide outdoor gear and adventures for the auction. The previous year’s event brought in $85,000 for Freedom Hunters. Benelli USA will present Freedom Hunter Founder and CEO Anthony Pace with a check for $100,000 to continue their mission of honoring those who protect the citizens of the United States.

“Without any doubt, having partners in the outdoor industry has helped Freedom Hunters honor more of our nation’s finest with hunting, shooting, and fishing trips,” said Anthony Pace, founder and CEO of Freedom Hunters. “The pandemic may have taken away the opportunity to get together in-person at the Benelli USA Invitational, but it did not take away Benelli USA’s commitment to our warriors. The isolation and uncertainty that COVID brings has escalated the veteran suicide numbers 20-30 percent from an already epidemic rate of 22 veterans per day. Funds raised by Benelli give our warriors hope and purpose through therapeutic outdoor adventures and frankly saves lives. We cannot thank Benelli USA enough for their commitment to our mission and more importantly to heroes and their families.” 

Freedom Hunters is an outreach program whose mission is to convey the outdoor community’s appreciation for the dedication of and sacrifices made by the men and women of the Armed Forces. Through the support of numerous groups and companies, including Benelli USA, Freedom Hunters arranges outdoor adventures and opportunities for active duty soldiers and combat veterans, as well as families of fallen heroes and children of those currently deployed. To learn more about Freedom Hunters, go to www.freedomhunters.org.

The success of the Benelli USA Invitational Event is a credit to the support and dedication of the following brands:

Habitat Flats 

Honey Brake Lodge 

Lucky Duck Decoys 

Banded 

Realtree 

Vortex Optics 

Trijicon 

Avery 

Yeti 

Action Targets 

Duck Commanders 

Jargon Calls 

Traeger 

True Timber 

Springfield Armory 

Wingman Guide Services 

Benelli

Franchi 

Stoeger

Owen J. Brown & Associates

Covey Sales & Marketing

Bentley-Scott Marketing

Vincent A. Pestilli & Associates

Core Line Marketing

Benelli Banasky-Shaw Classic

About Benelli USA

Benelli USA is a world leader in manufacturing quality semi-automatic shotguns and rifles that are known for their ultra-reliability and high-performance standards. For the latest news and product information visit www.benelliusa.com.