Smith & Wesson Big Game Dinner Benefits USO

by
posted on March 6, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Smith & Wesson sold out its inventory. No, not guns: We’re talking food here, specifically game dishes. The company’s 2014 Big Game Dinner drew more than 500 guests with dishes like carved elk roasts, wild boar sweet sausages and Cajun-style catfish. The dinner was a sell-out, as it has been for several years now.

Moved by the tasty morsels and a call to action, Smith & Wesson employees and dinner volunteers and attendees donated $35,000 at the event, which will be given to two deserving institutions in the region where Smith & Wesson does business: the Pioneer Valley United Services Organization (USO) and the Chicopee Comprehensive High School. Members of the U.S. armed forces and their families will benefit from $25,000 donated to USO social, recreational, educational and entertainment programs and services. A $10,000 donation to the Chicopee school will be used to support its culinary scholarship.

Meals were prepared with 1,900 pounds of wild game meat donated specifically for the event. The kitchen was led by chef Norm Boucher from the Chicopee Comprehensive High School culinary department. Besides Norm, 65 other volunteers logged more than 560 hours over three days to make the event a success.

“Each year the Smith & Wesson staff, along with the talented chefs from the Chicopee Comprehensive High School, continue to amaze and delight attendees with what is truly a rare dining experience,” said Smith & Wesson President and CEO James Debney. “This event is a success each year, thanks to the dedication of many volunteers and generous contributions from our co-sponsors, vendors and sportsmen.”

Sounds like Smith & Wesson has a thing going on. I know, I know, they’re not the only ones doing this kind of thing across the country. But ya gotta admit anybody who can bring to bear the size and prowess of a company like Smith & Wesson is capable of great things, like helping our troops via the USO.

Latest

Fenson Braised Coues Deer (5)
Fenson Braised Coues Deer (5)

Recipe: Braised Coues Deer Hind

An adventurous January hunt into the Sierra Madre Mountains of northern Mexico provided Brad Fenson the opportunity to cook Coues deer in traditional ways.

Friends of American Hunter Chad and Marsha Schearer Headline GAOS Seminars

The NRA Great American Outdoor Show Runs Feb. 7-15 and includes 200 demonstrations and seminars.

Significant Donation Will Cover Entry Fees for Boone and Crockett Club Records Program

On Jan. 21 the Boone and Crockett Club announced a long-time Lifetime Associate and benefactor to conservation has provided the opportunity to waive entry processing fees into the organization’s records program. As a result, the usual $40 entry fee will not be charged this year for entries received after Jan. 1, 2026.

Avian-X Adds 3 New Species to Motion Decoys

Avian-X has expanded its motion duck decoy assortment with the addition of three new species to the Power Butt Kicker lineup: Mallard Hen, Pintail Drake and Black Duck.

World’s Largest Gathering of Outdoor Enthusiasts Begins Saturday

More than 200,000 hunters, shooters, anglers, RVers and virtually every other flavor of outdoor enthusiast will attend NRA’s Great American Outdoor Show (GAOS). It opens Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, Pa., and is the place to be if you want to see your favorite pursuit’s latest and greatest, book a trip and more.

Year-Round Gear Care

Every fall season I hear one or two horror stories involving equipment failures in the field. All too often these stories include personal injuries. Let's take a few minutes to help you avoid such costly circumstances.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.