The Junior League of Bell County has decided to do away with its annual style show. Its fundraiser will instead take the form of a daytime skeet shoot tournament and barbecue dinner.

“Our husbands are always big supporters of what we do, so we wanted our annual event be something they could enjoy,” said Stacie Bratton, JLBC vice president of finance.

The Junior League Buckshot Blast & Barbecue Fundraiser is set for Sept. 26 at Weber’s Outdoors in Troy. Admission to the day-long skeet shoot tournament is $100 per person. The fee includes the price of the 6:30 p.m. barbecue dinner and auction.

Tickets for only the dinner and auction admission cost $25 per person.

It’s not just the skeet shoot that should be of interest to the Junior League hubbies.

“The auction items are guy oriented as well,” said Shala Sturgeon, event coordinator. “We really want the event to be something couples can enjoy together.”

So don’t come expecting to bid on perfume and necklaces. Just a few of those kinds of things will be available.

Most of this year’s auction items are, well, more rustic. They are things like guns, fishing trips, deer feeders, golf bags, sports tickets and weekend hunting trips.

Even the evening door prize is intended for the Mr. of the couple. It’s a $1,500 Benelli Legacy Shotgun.

“Each shooter will get one ticket for the door prize at entry to skeet tournament,” Ms. Sturgeon said. “Additional tickets are $10 each.”

Proceeds will benefit the League’s projects and mission of community service.

“The funds will be used to train our members to be effective in the community,” Ms. Bratton said. “And they’ll be used to go to the community in the form of Opportunity Knocks grants.”

Last year, the JLBC awarded to $500 grants, one to Peaceable Kingdom and another to Family Promise of East Bell County.

“This year, we hope to be able to award three grants,” Ms. Bratton said.

The deadline for area non-profit groups to apply for a JLBC Opportunity Knocks grant is Oct. 31.

tlunsford@temple-telegram.com

---

IF YOU GO

WHAT: The Junior League of Bell County’s inaugural Buckshot Blast & Barbecue

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 26. Skeet teams will be assigned shoot times upon registration. The dinner and auction will be served at 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Weber’s Outdoors in Troy

COST: The tournament is $100 per person; dinner price included. Admission for only the dinner and auction is $25 per person.

NOTE: To register for the tournament, call 254-368-9203. or go online to www.jlbellco.org.