Community Involvement
Most range members think the Gainesville Target Range considers itself a community asset by providing a clean
safe place to shoot. However, many people would be surprised by the extent of the range’s charitable donations
within our community.
In addition to the charities listed above, GTRI also assisted a Gainesville High School band member who
collapsed and needed prolonged medical attention.
The Friends of the National Rifle Association auction has received numerous donations of range memberships
that when auctioned raised money to support the National Rifle Association.
A one year range membership was auctioned by SunState Federal Credit Union at Media Auction 2004. The range
membership helped support a total fund raising of $24,000 distributed among 30 local charities.
A range membership was auctioned at the Eighteenth Annual “Casablanca” ball on behalf of the American
Heart Association. The range membership helped raise a net total of $180,000 to battle cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
Another range membership was auctioned by SunState Federal Credit Union on behalf of the Gainesville
Civil Air Patrol. This donation allowed the squadron to purchase new equipment for their color guard so cadets
may present colors for local events. In addition donations allowed two members to attend search and rescue training.
The range has also donated to The Children’s Miracle Network in conjunction with the 4th Annual Miracle
Maker’s Radiothon. Our contribution was part of a total of $231,000 used to help fund many projects at Shand’s
Children’s Hospital at the University of Florida.
A donation was made to the Guardian Ad Litem Program of the 8th Judicial Circuit. This money helps support
over 800 children in the court systems that have been abused, neglected or abandoned. Many of these children
would not have received Christmas gifts without the support of businesses, churches, organizations and individuals
such as our range.
A range membership was presented to the Gainesville-Alachua County Association of Realtors RPAC Auction. This
donation supports the advocacy of private property rights and growth management in our area.
GTR is proud to support STOP! Children’s Cancer and the Girls Club of Alachua County with cash donations and has
provided a free membership for Cornerstone Academy to use at their auction.
The Builders Association of North Central Florida held a Silent Auction in which GTR participated to benefit
educational programs for our local elementary and middle schools.
Public exposure as more than just a clean, safe place to shoot, is important to the range’s image as a part of our
community. It is interesting to note that no organization presented with a charitable donation, of either cash or
membership, has declined our offer based on the fact we support the right to keep and bear arms.
If your charitable organization needs support, please contact me at ronshema@bellsouth.net and I will be glad to
assist if I can by donating a Gift Certificate to auction off valued at $250 for a one year membership to GTR. |
