Union supports charity with shooting event fundraiser

Machinists Union Local Lodge 751-C raised $16,200 for Guide Dogs of America with its second annual sporting clays shoot.

Machinists Union Local Lodge 751-C raised $16,200 for Guide Dogs of America with its second annual sporting clays shoot.

The event was held May 3 at the Sumner Sportsmen’s Association range in Puyallup. It attracted 65 shooters, who were divided into 13 teams.

“We had a blast,” said Local 751-C President Ron Coen. “And thanks to our sponsors and some great volunteers we raised some good money for a great cause.”

The team of Larry Gregory, Greg Howe, George Garten, Sean Jeffries and Eric Bellamy won the high overall team award, with a combined score of 320 out of 500. Ryan Hites won the Top Gun prize for men with a score of 94 out of 100. Lori Kuhn was Top Gun among women with a score of 71.

All the proceeds are going to Guide Dogs of America, a California-based charity that provides service dogs and training in their use free of charge to people who are blind or have impaired vision from across the United States and Canada.

Local 751-C is affiliated with Machinists Union District Lodge 751, which is the top fundraiser for Guide Dogs of America. Over the past five years, union volunteers have raised nearly $1.5 million, including a record $384,000 in 2013.