PINEWOOD, S.C. The South Carolina Waterfowl Association recently raised nearly $600,000 via a major fundraising effort, which will be used for conservation education and veteran family scholarships, thanks to the support of many various supporters.

“We owe the success of our recent fundraising efforts to the incredible support of our Premier Supporter, Palmetto State Armory, plus an awesome team of contributors and purchasers,” said David Wielicki, South Carolina Waterfowl Association, Chief Executive Officer.

The total monies raised was $574,531. Fifty percent of the net income ($287, 265.50) will be placed in the SCWA Foundation to fund annual scholarships for Veterans, their children and grandchildren to attend weekend parent/child Outdoor Heritage Events. These events include duck, dove and deer hunts, fishing tournaments, shooting clinics and other outdoor skills weekend camp programs at the SCWA Wildlife Education Center (WEC).

The other fifty percent of the net income from this fundraising effort will be used to help expand the Nation’s leading conservation education center, the SCWA Wildlife Education Center. These funds were recently used to help purchase the 140-acre Barwick tract. This property is adjacent to the WEC and expands the 1,374 acre WEC to the edge of Lake Marion. The property will be home to a new Wildlife Management Apprentice/Instructor Campus, two sporting clays courses, nature trails and wildlife habitat demonstration areas.

SCWA greatly appreciates the support of everyone who helped with this fundraiser by purchasing a raffle ticket in the Mega Conservation Education Raffle. Stay tuned to the next big raffle announcement.

Please join us in congratulating the following list of 2023 Mega Conservation Education Raffle Winners:

Ram 1500 Crew Cab Built to Serve Edition Truck: Mark Vaugh

Bentley Pontoons 2023 Fish 223 Fish-N-Cruise 140 Hp Suzuki: David L. Michael

Harley Davidson Pan American Motorcycle: Gregory Goines

New Zealand Red Stag Hunt: Kenneth Chabot

Wild Wildebeest South African Safari for Four: Jared Skelton

Palmetto State Armory $10,000 gift card: Robert C. Day

Rack and Reel Outfitters Montana Elk and Mule Deer Hunt: Michael Short

Jarret Legendary Beanfield Rifle: Thomas Westmoreland

Wyboo Custom Gunworks Rifle: Kendall Adams

Saskatchewan Snow Goose Hunt: Matthew Holt

Alberta Duck and Goose Hunt: John Winesette

South Carolina Whitetail Deer/Hog Hunt: Andree Barra

Casa Carolina Costa Rica House Rental: Lucas Wall

Palmetto State Armory $5,000 Gift Card: Justin Chew

Wings Inc. Mexico White Wing Dove Hunt: David Lesko

Pampa Adventures Argentina Duck, Dove, and Perdiz Hunt: Kieth Daniel

South Carolina Duck Hunt: Charlie Brunton

South Dakota Prairie Dog Hunt: Shawn Sousley

Argentina Black Buck Hunt: Tommy Grainger

Costa Rica Bahia Rica Fishing Trip: Joe McCutchen

Edisto Island South Carolina House Rental: Joseph Heeps

Palmetto State Armory 2,500 Gift Card: Anthony Massey

Palmetto State Armory $2,500 Gift Card: Brandon Clark

Palmetto State Armory $2,500 Gift Card: Jesse Howser

Palmetto State Armory $2,500 Gift Card: Matt Redecker

Palmetto State Armory $2,500 Gift Card: Nicholas Austin

Palmetto State Armory $2,500 Gift Card: Roland Ginelsa

BirdFest Bluegrass Festival Deluxe VIP Weekend for 4 People: Stephen L. Robinson

Spotttail Charters 4 Person 2 Day SC Inshore Fishing Trip: Donald Scott

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) Benefactor Soiree Package: Jason Keskemety

The South Carolina Waterfowl Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that exists to enhance and perpetuate South Carolina’s wildlife heritage through education and habitat conservation.