The 5th annual Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Charitable Hunt was held on September 14 in Devol, Oklahoma. The event raised over $45,000 for the benefit of the SWOSU Department of Parks & Recreation Management (SWOSU PRM).
“This unique event allows alumni and friends to gather for a worthy cause—our Parks & Recreation Management program,” said SWOSU President Dr. Diana Lovell. “We are so grateful to everyone who participated in the hunt, dinner, and auction to support one of our stand-out programs here at SWOSU.”
Proceeds from the Hunt will be allocated to the Dr. Ken Rose Memorial Fund, which exists to help SWOSU PRM produce the next generation of conservationists, wildlife law enforcement officials, park rangers, and other outdoor and wildlife career professionals.
MA+ Architecture generously provided the official sponsorship for the popular philanthropic event.
Gifts for hunters were provided thanks to generous sponsorships from Bank of Western Oklahoma and United Country Auction & Real Estate.
Hunt hosts who generously provided support included:
Thomas Mapel
Great Plains Bank
Cody Parker
Michael Hart
Gary VanDuyne
Dustin Cornelius
Homer Ryan
Carl Hook
Brian Lux
Brian Aneshansley
The Hunt was facilitated by BlackOak Farms, a full-service hunting operation founded by John and Monica Collison that is integrated with traditional agriculture practices of farming and ranching.
The event kicked off with a skeet shooting competition sponsored by Mike North and Ronnie Oldfield/Regeneration Ranch Resort. The competition was followed by a late afternoon dove hunt.
After hunting, participants and guests were treated to cocktails and a delicious dinner prepared by Blue Mountain Smoke and generously sponsored by longtime SWOSU benefactor Blue Sky Bank.
Dinner was followed by a fundraising auction facilitated by SWOSU alumnus Corky Heard of United Country Heard Auction & Real Estate.
The 5th Annual SWOSU Charitable Hunt was organized by the SWOSU Foundation, Inc., which was established in 1977 to promote philanthropy and distribute funds to support the activities and programs of SWOSU. For more information, please call 580-774-3267 or visit www.SWOSUFoundation.com.