Report from the Rockies
January/February 2008
Scott Hampel , MDF Regional Director
2007 – A Year in Review
If 2007 is any indication of what the future holds for MDF, jump aboard, hold on, and prepare yourself for an exciting ride. Although there were some small set backs, the overall momentum for MDF continues to increase. Much like 2006, 2007 is certainly a year to remember for a variety of reasons. Here’s a quick look at some of those accomplishments.
The Wind River Chapter of Lander/Riverton, Wyo., hosted its first annual fundraising banquet. The second event is scheduled for Jan. 26, 2008. Please contact Clarke Daniels at 307-330-4760 to offer assistance or attend.
The Northern Front Range Chapter of Greeley, Colo., set a record for itself in terms of attendance and overall net proceeds. The chapter also reached a 60% banquet efficiency rating for the first time. Later in the year, this chapter formally adopted the Cherokee State Wildlife Area near Livermore, Colo., to provide ongoing volunteer labor and funding of habitat projects.
The Central Wyoming Chapter of Casper, Wyo., set a MDF record by becoming the first chapter in MDF history to reach $100,000 net proceeds for a fundraising banquet, easily surpassing the 60% banquet efficiency rating. This was truly an outstanding event for which this chapter should be proud.
The Mile High Chapter of Denver, Colo., set a record for itself in terms of attendance and net banquet proceeds. This chapter also set an initial net proceeds record by raffling the 2007 Colorado Statewide Deer License. The record was later broken by SCI. However, the big winner here is Colorado mule deer.
The Muley Fanatic Chapter of Rock Springs, Wyo., hosted its first event in March. The dedication of this well-organized committee easily reached the 60% banquet efficiency rating and raised over $13,000 to benefit Wyoming wildlife.
The Buckhorn Chapter of Eagle, Colo., set a record for itself in terms of attendance, net banquet proceeds, and banquet efficiency rating (exceeding 67%). Mule deer in Eagle County, Colo., will receive some much needed help with an enormous habitat project specifically designed for mule deer.
The Midwest Chapter of the Illinois/Wisconsin area hosted a first-ever booth at the Madison Deer and Turkey Show generating some interest in this part of the country. A 2008 event is being scheduled.
The Ha Ha Tonka Chapter set a record for itself in terms of attendance, net proceeds, and chapter reward dollars. This chapter is busy preparing for another great event in 2008.
The Northern New Mexico Chapter of Santa Fe, N.M., was established. The chapter will be hosting its first event on Feb. 23, 2008.
The Pikes Peak Chapter of Colorado Springs, Colo., set an attendance and net proceeds record, as well as gained momentum with additional volunteer committee members. Thanks guys!
The High Mountain Chapter of the small mountain town of Walden, Colo., set a record for itself in terms of attendance, net proceeds, and chapter reward dollars.
The Frenchman Chapter of McCook, Neb., held its first-ever banquet in October raising over $12,000. This is the first MDF chapter established in Nebraska. Who says that Nebraska is not filled with some “Perks.” Congratulations guys!
The Pass The Buck Chapter of Rifle, Colo., reached the 60% banquet efficiency rating for a third consecutive year. Although attendance and net proceeds were down slightly, reaching the 60% rating for a third time is an exceptional feat. Congratulations to the Pass The Buck volunteers!
The Snowy Range Chapter of Laramie, Wyo., set a record in attendance with 320 guests and net proceeds exceeding $30,000. In addition, these chapter volunteers supplied a significant amount of volunteer “sweat equity” time and chapter reward dollars to install a spring on Ring Mountain.
On a final note, the 2007 Rocky Mountain Regional Workshop was an incredible success as 38 MDF volunteers participated in a work weekend with tree cutting project to prepare 600+ acres for a prescribed burn in the future. An additional work weekend will likely be scheduled for 2008. This pulled volunteers from a variety of chapters and allows volunteers to strengthen friendships, share ideas, and work as a “team.”