Staff Report
Following a month-long delay caused by Hurricane Irma, the East Hillsborough Ducks Unlimited (EHDU) chapter of Hillsborough County hosted its 31st annual Dinner and Auction on October 12 at the Plant City Armory. In attendance were over 225 area conservationists, family members, and friends, all of whom were instrumental in the raising of over $25,000 for wetlands habitat and preservation.
Highlighted at this year’s event were three local Newsome High School students who were presented with the 2017 East Hillsborough Ducks Unlimited 2017 Volunteer of the Year Award for their grassroots support to conservation and habitat preservation. Rachel Layrisson, Joseph Layrisson and Evan Smith were all presented with engraved awards for their individual dedication of over 100 hours of community service. Their volunteerism resulted in the raising of conservation awareness and funds for over 50 acres of land preserved! Evan, Joseph, and Rachel are the youngest EHDU chapter committee members ever to receive the Volunteer of the Year award.
A special thank you goes out to all the Corporate Table sponsors who made this year’s event extra special: Dillon and Cody Glisson and G5 Feed and Outdoor, Jim Scott and Jarrett Scott Ford, Clayton Jenkins and Clayton Jenkins Construction, Jake Caliguire and Central Site Development, Tony Hanshaw and Mosaic, Curry Law Group, Jarrod Farmer and CURS Credit Union, Rodger Rivard and Rivard Buick and GMC, Jared Delancy and Everglades John Deere, ean Sims and Sims Crane and Equipment, Jerry Jaeger and Hy-Tech Petroleum, Mark McRae and Farm Credit, Brian Goodhead and PPSI, Jeff Brewer and Patriot Arms.
Ducks Unlimited would also like to thank the following major donors for their contributions: Perry Electric, Minto Communities, Brenda Wade Realty, JC Taxidermy, Pepin Distributors, Randy Matthews Photography’ Spent Round Designs, Bass Pro Shop, and Floors by Joe. A special thank you goes to the Florida National Guard, the 3rd of the 116th Field Artillery unit and MSG Brown and the Plant City Police Department.
For information, contact Wayne Tasler at 727-743-8810 or wayne.tasler@gmail.com or follow on Facebook at East Hillsborough Ducks Unlimited Chapter.
