Arkansas Friends of NRA Takes Fundraising to a Creative Level

2020 was a tough year for everyone, including The NRA Foundation’s Friends of NRA program.  From the start, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by the mission to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports. This was challenging with all of the social and physical restrictions in place because of COVID-19, but Arkansas managed to end the year on a high note.

In late 2019, before the pandemic shook the world and Friends of NRA, Doug Gregg reached out to Erica Dunn, the former Field Representative in his area about a fundraising idea so huge he would need a pickup truck, a UTV and a trailer to pull it off. Doug is the Chairman of the Mountain Home-White River Friends of NRA committee and owner of White River Firearms in Gassville, AR.

“We strive to be a positive influence for the next generation of the shooting sports participants,” said Doug. “That is why I am part of this organization, and why I wanted to do this raffle.”

Starting in January 2020, the committees behind Arkansas Friends of NRA raffled 350 tickets for a brand new Dodge Ram Warlock pickup, and a Cub Cadet UTV and trailer which were donated by White River Firearms and powered by Ultimate Auto Group of Mountain Home, AR.

“We were blessed in our timing with this raffle,” said Doug. “We were fortunate we had this already in motion when the Coronavirus came about. I want to believe this gave us a little extra strength in our fundraising during what was a challenging year. I feel blessed we were able to do what we could do.”

The raffle winner was announced in November at the Mississippi County Friends of NRA banquet in Blytheville, AR. Mr. Dan Howard was the lucky winner. “I thought he was lying to me," Howard said when he was notified he won. "I thought he was pulling my leg. I'll use the side-by-side on the farm and probably drive the truck every day," Howard said. "I'm tickled to get them."

Arkansas Friends of NRA raised over $130,000 with Doug’s over-the-top raffle idea. It was a great way to end a bad year, not only for Arkansas Friends of NRA, but for the Friends of NRA program as a whole, The NRA Foundation, and Dan Howard.

“Doug Gregg and his team have truly been a blessing to know. You will not find a more genuine, hardworking, and humble person than Doug.  He is always stepping up in his community and does not ever wish for recognition. He has a true ‘giving heart’ and cares deeply about the future of our Second Amendment and our Freedoms,” noted Erica.

Although no plans of another extravagant raffle have been planned for 2021, Doug has a message for all Friends of NRA volunteers. “If I could, I’d encourage everyone not to give up as 2021 is going to be another tough year. We have a good and just cause, and we need to keep on keeping on.”