Ducks Unlimited Canada hosted its annual East Central Flyway fall banquet and fundraising auction on November 4 at the Sturgis Community Hall with many raffles, and silent and live auction prizes.
Travis Behning of Regina, fundraising manager for Ducks Unlimited, welcomed everyone to a fun night of games and fundraising.
"The goal and focus for tonight is to raise funds and awareness for conservation of wetlands, water, wildlife and the ecosystem," Behning said. "Ducks Unlimited’s mission is to conserve, restore and manage wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl.
“These habitats benefit other wildlife, people and our environment,” he said. “We partner with government, industry, non-profit organizations and landowners to get our work done so we can connect people to nature and make a healthier world for future generations.”
Brad Knutson was the auctioneer for the evening. Six Pack Catering catered the banquet and proceeds from the bar were allotted towards Sturgis minor ball.
The evening featured bucket raffles, pick-of-the-litter raffles, high/low games, a runt-of-the-litter game, archery, a shooter raffle and a women’s raffle.
The high-flyer auction featured 15 buckets being auctioned off and the winner received his or her choice of one of the following items: a Las Vegas trip, Eric Church concert tickets; Rush tickets; a $500 gift card from Cabelas, and a Savage .22 Laminate with spiral barrel.
Ducks Unlimited committee members are: Carla and Perry Keller, Kristen and Conrad Peterson, Brooke Keller, Jean Babiuk, Brad and Carolyn Cameron, Craig Folk, Justin Keller and Evan Steppan.
Donations were made by Karl Checkawy, Justin Keller, Rawhides, Prairie Soil Service and Dr. Garth Bodie.
