Friends Of NRA Banquet Protested For Existing

By Tom Knighton

Throughout the nation, the friends of NRA groups hold banquets to raise money for the NRA’s charitable arms. This goes toward grants and education, not lobbying.

However, this distinction isn’t sufficient for some people who are triggered by those three letters in that particular order.

At least, that seems to be why they’d protest a fundraiser.

At a National Rifle Association fundraiser in New Hyde Park in September, several shotguns, rifles, buck knives and pistols were raffled off. Among the prizes was the 2018 Friends of NRA Gun of the Year set: a silver stag knife, a limited edition handgun engraved with the words “Defending Freedom” and a display case.

All proceeds from the Nassau County Friends of NRA banquet went to the NRA Foundation, the organization’s charitable arm, which helps fund shooting ranges, gun safety classes and other community programs. The fundraiser was held at the Inn at New Hyde Park on Sept. 27. This year, during a time of increased debate over gun control, the event drew protests of the venue and elected leaders’ criticism.

“At the end of the day, there’s still a message that they’re sending by raffling off a firearm during their fundraiser,” said Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, …Read the Rest

Source:: Bearing Arms