Friends Ministries held its second annual Spring Sporting Clay Fundraiser at Flint Trap and Skeet Club on Feb. 28. Many local and regional sponsors, led by First National Bank of Decatur County and Sharber Oil Company, underwrote the event.

The Sporting Clay event raised approximately $9,000 to benefit The Friendship House youth after-school program and Still Waters Womens Shelter.

With years of experience in the sporting clay world, James Reece of First National Bank of Decatur County organized a morning of fellowship, focus and purpose, similar to the mission of the beneficiary.

More than 60 shooters took to the course to give the clays their best. The wooded course offered many variations of targets, from the high-flying report pairs to the daunting combination of true pairs. The shooters followed the trail around the course and enjoyed the overcast day.

“The course was tough, but we had a lot of fun,” Rollins Miller, Friend Ministries board member and shooter said. “I’m just thankful that there are so many volunteers and donors who make this event such a success.”

In addition to the volunteers, many businesses and individuals sponsored and donated prizes, including hunting trips, a Yeti cooler, Costa Del Mar and Red’s Outfitters sunglasses and baked goods. One lucky raffle winner took home a Beretta A-300 12-gauge shotgun.

Friends Ministries  has increasingly become a presence since its beginnings in 1991 as a Bible club in a community room at the local housing authority. Today, the ministry serves over 200 children daily and up to 11 women and children in its shelter.

For more information, contact (229) 243-1298 or visit 220 N. Russ St. and friendshiphouseofjesus.com.