!["The whole Kiwanis membership will be there to process people, get them fed, get them signed up for the shoot," Crestview Councilman and Kiwanis member JB Whitten said. [Pixabay.com]](http://127.0.0.1/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ghows-DA-4d499a79-ea59-2d0c-e053-0100007f2a3f-4bab076a.jpeg)
Editor’s Note: This continues our Celebrate Community series on nonprofit organizations that improve North Okaloosa County residents’ quality of life.
CRESTVIEW —The Kiwanis Club of Crestview's annual clay shoot will benefit the local John McMahon Environmental Center.
The shoot begins with registration, a light breakfast and warm-ups at 8 a.m. and the shotgun start is 9 a.m. May 6 at Shoal River Sporting Clays, 3985 U.S. Highway 90 E, Crestview.
Practice shots are $5 per 10 shots. The schedule includes a safety briefing, and noon lunch and award ceremony.
"The whole Kiwanis membership will be there to process people, get them fed, get them signed up for the shoot," Crestview Councilman and Kiwanis member JB Whitten said.
The cost is $400 per team or $100 per person, which includes 100 clays, 12-gauge or 20-gauge shells, breakfast and lunch, goodie bags and awards to top shooters and each member of the high-scoring team.
Participants must bring their own shotguns, eye and ear protection, and golf cart or four-wheeler transportation for the range. Transportation is also available in advance at a cost of $75.
PHASING IN IMPROVEMENTS
Funds from the shoot and sponsorships will help support the project to revitalize the John B. McMahon Environmental Center in Crestview. Phase I includes installing restrooms, playground equipment, fencing and parking.
The effort's first phase will cost about $10,000, and after it is complete, the club will continue to address the center's needs, according to Whitten.
"Well, we're kind of doing it in pieces. We're looking at some of the first phases we want to do. They cost about $10,000," Whitten said.
The center's refurbishment is an ongoing group project. Kiwanis members will evaluate further needs at the center and address them according to the master plan they submitted to the city two years ago.
Goals include cleaning the pond and adding a safety-approved children's park.
"It's ongoing," Whitten said.
OTHER SERVICES
The Crestview Kiwanis Club also has other community service projects and fundraisers throughout the year, according to Kiwanis officer Karen Donaldson.
Club activities include:
- Scholarship funding
- Monetary or product provision for the Children's Advocacy Center and Crestview Pregnancy Center
- Providing financial assistance and labor during the annual No Child Without Healthcare event.
Contact Karen Donaldson, 826-2630 or karendonaldson@coastalbankandtrust.com, for details about the shoot or sponsorships.
WHAT: Kiwanis Clay Shoot Fundraiser
WHEN: 8 a.m. May 6
WHERE: Shoal River Sporting Clays, 3985 U.S. Highway 90 E, Crestview
COST: $100 per individual, $400 per team
CONTACT: Karen Donaldson, 826-2630 or karendonaldson@coastalbankandtrust.com
WANT TO GO?
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Kiwanis continues 'ongoing' park improvements