Auction Details
The West Texas Chapter of SCI is a 501(c)3 NPO (SCI Foundation Chapter). All proceeds raised in this auction will support wildlife conservation, humanitarian, and education efforts both globally and locally. The West Texas Chapter is the #1 Fund Generating Chapter within the SCIF organization and a 4-time recipient of the SCI Diamond Conservation Chapter Award. We thank you for viewing both of our auctions and for bidding to support our cause. We would like to thank our donors for their generosity and continued support. Without your support, the West Texas Chapter would not be successful. If you are interested in our chapter happenings, follow us on Instagram @sci_west_texas, on Facebook at West Texas Chapter Safari Club International, or check out our website at www.sciwesttexas.org .
Welcome to the 2022 West Texas Hunting Extravaganza!
2021 has been another interesting year to say the least. Just as it seemed we could return to what normalcy was left, another variant has arisen preventing travel for many of our friends, supporters, and exhibitors. Unfortunately, this not only affects our personal lives and industry friends, but it indiscriminately impacts our wildlife and wild places across the globe. Despite the challenges we face and the impact the pandemic has on our daily lives, we will one day persevere and get past all of this. As we optimistically enter 2022, let us hope we are all blessed with family, good health, happiness, and food on our tables.
Although 2021 may have been difficult on each of us in different ways, thanks to you all, it was a successful year for the West Texas Chapter of SCI. While many other states were still under restrictions, your WTC-SCI board members chose to press forward with an in-person event, making the West Texas Hunting Extravaganza one of the very few in person hunting expos and auctions held in 2021. Because of the continued generosity of our donors, exhibitors, and each of you in attendance, you all raised $630,000 benefiting wildlife conservation, humanitarian, and education efforts not only locally, but globally. That is incredible! You deserve a round of applause! Here is a brief list of what your contributions benefited:
• Blood Origins “Out of Africa” Project
• Borderland Research Institute – Mule Deer & Bighorn Research Projects in West Texas
• Purple Heart Hunts
• Soaring Argentina “Wayne Graham Memorial Clinic”
• Trinity Oaks Permian Basin “H2O Outdoor Youth Event” & “First Time Hunters Youth Dove Hunt”
• Buffalo Trails Council (Boys Scout Ranch)
• Angelo State University
o Ram Clay Target Team
o ASU Endowment
• Sul Ross State University Endowment
• Texas Christian University Endowment
• TPWD Elephant Mountain WMA Restoration Project
• New Road Mission – South Africa Children’s Home & Boarding School
• West Texas Rehab “Cast for Kids” – Abilene, TX
• Amy Bell Charities - “Blue Bags” – SCI Foundation
• Eco Defense Group – Kruger National Park Anti-Poaching – South Africa
• Tashinga Initiative Trust – Ranger Vegetable Garden – Zimbabwe
• Omay Communal Area Anti-Poaching – Zimbabwe
The board is proud of the projects and organizations the West Texas Chapter was able to support over the past year. The above list was provided with crucial funds and items that have become even more critical in 2021. Non-profit organizations and the wilds of Africa were severely impacted from the pandemic. Those vital needs will continue in the coming months and years as our economies press onward toward recovery.
West Texas SCI continues to fund the West Texas Hunting & Fishing Heritage Museum, our sister 501(c)3 organization. The museum was created and serves as a learning facility for students of all ages as well as hosting private events and meetings. The museum is filled with unique trophies from all over the world. Many of these species are now protected in their native land. The museum accepts estate taxidermy donations and continues to expand the collection for future generations to enjoy. I encourage each of you to schedule a visit of the museum to see one of the organizations your donations support here in our community. If you know of a school program that may benefit from a visit to the museum, have interest in hosting events, and/or meetings, make sure to reach out to one of our board members for more information.
This year was the first year we opened our Exhibitor Hall doors to the public. In the coming weeks the board will evaluate the success of this portion of the event and determine the best plan for future events. We ask that you all spread the word about this event and our incredible exhibitors in hopes that we can become a multi-day event for you, our chapter, our community, and our gracious exhibitors.
In closing, I would again like to thank each of you for being here tonight. This event and the success of our West Texas Chapter - SCI would not be possible without the support of our Table Sponsors, Attendees, Exhibitors, Donors, and all who attended our daytime Exhibitor Hall opening. I would especially like to thank our board members and volunteers for their dedication to our chapter, our cause, and this event. You deserve a standing ovation. I hope that you choose to join Safari Club International and support the only organization dedicated to fighting for your right to hunt and protecting our wildlife and wild places for future generations. If you join tonight, you will automatically join the West Texas Chapter and be entered to win our new membership drawing prize. Make sure to go by the membership booth and check out membership options and prizes. I hope you all enjoy the evening, and you make attending the West Texas Hunting Extravaganza an annual occurrence on your calendar. Thank you again for choosing to join us tonight and God Bless each of you.