Nearly $60,000 Raised for Ducks Unlimited at Banquet

The Sedalia Chapter of Ducks Unlimited held their 48th annual fund-raising banquet Oct. 21 at the Ag Building on the Missouri State Fairgrounds.

In addition to a silent auction and live auction conducted by Johnson Auction Services, guests were treated to a tasty meal by Mallard's Smokin' Bar-B-Que.

Ducks Unlimited is a grassroots, volunteer-based organization whose members live in the US Canada and Mexico. Their mission is to conserve, restore and manage wetlands and other habitats for North America's waterfowl. The habitats also benefit other wildlife and people, according to a fact sheet provided by the group.

Ducks Unlimited counts a grand total of 244,143,642 acres in North America that have been influenced and conserved by the organization since 1937.

Tyler Atkinson, area coordinator for Ducks Unlimited, said that over 300 tickets were sold for the event, which he considered a huge success and was very thankful for all who turned out.

“The purpose of the banquet is to drive membership which raises money for conservation for Ducks Unlimited,” Atkinson said, adding that it also saves habitat for all wildlife, not just ducks. “It's a great organization.”

Atkinson noted that nearly $60,000 was raised at the event, “It was a great night for conservation,” he stated.

The Sedalia chapter has one of the larger events in the area, Atkinson said, adding that there are some chapters located closer to Lake of the Ozarks and Truman Lake, such as the Warsaw chapter. Many smaller chapters over the years have consolidated with the larger chapter, he explained.

“We have members from Versailles, Tipton, Marshall and Lone Jack, to name a few,” Atkinson said, adding that if anyone is interested in becoming or member or simply wants to learn more about Ducks Unlimited, get ahold of him or visit their facebook page or visit www.ducks.org, or call (901) 758-3825 in Memphis, Tenn.