The 5th Annual Aim-at-Ag Sporting Clays Tournament, put on by ArborOne Farm Credit, drew the largest crowd ever, with 128 shooters participating. Held Saturday, September 19th at Black River Sporting Clays in Kingstree, 14 youth teams competed as well as 86 individuals, nearly double the number of participants as 2014. Participants from around the state flocked to Williamsburg County to enjoy a great day of shooting sports, delicious barbeque, and fellowship, too.
Aim-at-Ag is an annual fundraiser held by ArborOne, the proceeds of which are split between 4-H and FFA. “Both FFA and 4-H are integral to the future not only of youth but also the future of agriculture in the state of South Carolina, and ArborOne is pleased to support both organizations through Aim-at-Ag,” said Kathy Heustess, President and CEO of ArborOne.
“When we started this event five years ago, we never dreamed it would grow as much as it has,” Heustess continued. “I love coming out to Black River Sporting Clays and seeing all of these customers and school children enjoying the great outdoors for a great cause.”
To date, Aim-at-Ag has raised over $150,000 for the two organizations. Last year, FFA used a large portion of its donation to help underwrite the state FFA convention at Clemson. “The state convention highlights the hard work and achievements that the students have worked on all year and seeing their joy and celebration was inspiring,” said Jason Creamer, ArborOne relationship manager and member of the Aim-at-Ag Committee who attended the FFA state convention. “Both organizations have been hit so hard by state and local budget cuts, that we are glad to pitch in to help fill the gaps where we can,” Creamer added.
The winning youth team was the Saluda 4-H Team #2, with a total score of 268. The team was comprised of Leason Horne, who shot an 82, Andrew Owens (91) and T.J. Price, who shot a 95—which also happened to be the day’s highest score among team shooters. Coming in second for youth teams was the Dillon County 4-H Club, with a score of 265. The third place team was from Strom Thurmond CTC near Aiken, scoring a 255. Each member of the 1st place team was awarded a trophy during a presentation following the tournament.
For more information about Aim-at-Ag, which is held each fall, please contact Jennifer King at jking@arborone.com or visit www.arborone.com.
