Houston Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation |
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Rocky Mountain Elk FoundationThe RMEF is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of elk habitat, wildlife conservation, and the better understanding of elk ecology. Founded in 1984, RMEF has grown to more than 155,000 members across the United States and Canada. More than 10,000 volunteers working to support the efforts of over 500 local chapters help generate more than $55 million annually. OF the funds raised, 95 percent is annually applied to mission projects improving elk habitat and related work. About 76 percent of this annual expenditure is applied to land conservation. RMEF has conserved or enhanced more than 5.2 million acres of North American wildlife habitat. Texas chapters won 5 awards this year at the annual elk camp exposition in Fort Worth. Dime Box won, for the third time in a row, Best Net to Gross at 92%, Dime Box also won 2d in the nation for BGB Net at $140,050 (not including memberships) behind Pittsburgh PA at $152,951. Houston was 3d in the nation for Net with the help of the Conroe event net of $27,570. With chapters in the nation that had a Total Chapter Activity of over $100k, Dime Box was 4th in nation with $169,250 and Houston was 6th with $157,862. All the Texas chapters combined netted $717,147 for elk conservation in 2008. All RMEF members in Texas can take pride in this achievement.
RMEF raises its funds through a variety of means, but primarily through fund raising banquets staged by volunteers in local chapters across North America. The Houston Chapter is proud to announce its annual banquet for June 6, 2009. The banquet will again be held at the Westchase Marriott Hotel 2900 Briarpark Drive near the intersection of Westheimer inside Beltway 8. This will be our 22th annual Houston banquet and we are proud of the support Houston has made to RMEF. Please click here for information on this year's banquet. Last year local RMEF members and banquet attendees helped produce a record setting net contribution to RMEF programs of more than $200,000. This was the best ever performance for the Houston chapter and ranked third in North America. Local supporters help raise nearly $1,500,000 since the Houston chapter foundation which ranks 16th in North America for lifetime chapter fund raising. In 2008 the Houston Chapter was presented an award at the national meeting for having raised a gross of over $200,000 ranking it third in the nation. The Houston Chapter also helps sponsor the annual Conroe banquet at the Lone Star Convention Center. This year's event is scheduled for July 18. Click here for information on ticket sales and print out a registration form. Habitat Partners You can become a Habitat Partner to the RMEF and join 2253 other committed enthusiasts for as little as a one time contribution of $2500. More than 600 Imperial Level Habitat Partners have contributed $10,000 and are invited to join the Habitat Council providing direct input to the RMEF board of directors on projects and priorities. Click here gone.hunting@sbcglobal.net to learn more about becoming a Habitat Partner. Special Recognition The Houston Chapter has been especially honored by the long term support of Harold and Rae Harborth. This year these stalwart members will be honored at the RMEF National Elk Camp meeting in Fort Worth with a Level IV Silver Medallion Award as a business partner for donations that netted RMEF more than $50,000. Harold as always served the chapter by handling the FFL paperwork on the firearms won or purchased at the chapter banquets. For years his custom rifles have been the centerpiece of the Live Auction as attendees vie for the honor of purchasing one of his precision rifles and supporting the RMEF programs at the same time. In recent years Rae has added her particular talents with the donation of a hand made quilt to the banquet's Live Auction. Other Donations Gratefully Accepted Make a tax deductible donation of merchandise, services, or money to the RMEF Houston Chapter banquet and help continue Houston's proud legacy of generous support. Many of the items offered at the banquet are purchased at discount. We encourage organizations or individuals that underwrite some of these purchase costs and help more of the banquet's proceeds go to wildlife projects. Matching GiftsYour company may participate in the CASE matching gifts program that could double dollars you contribute to RMEF. See a partial listing of participating companies by Clicking Here.
John Banovich will once again contribute to the Houston Chapter Big Game Banquet this year. The Houston Chapter has been proud to be able to offer the works of world renowned wildlife artist John Banovich in previous banquets. This year we are once again honored to be able to offer both an Original Oil and a limited edition print.
John has provided us with an 8" x 10" Oil on Belgium Linen painted (shown on the left) "Only Comes Out at Night". As John explains, "It's rare to see a buck like this during the day. Most do not live long enough to develop these kinds of antlers. This old giant has beaten the odds by waiting until darkness falls to make his move." The Limited Edition print "Buffalo Soldiers" will also be available at this year's banquet. Email Information To help us reduce the costs of keeping you informed, please email gone.hunting@sbcglobal.net and we will add you to the list for period updates and special offers.
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