muskrat Report post Posted August 5, 2007 Now that all of the big game tags are hitting (or have hit) the mailboxes, we thought it would be a good time to get our info out there to the public. Please pass along as you see fit. Arizona Group Strives To Help Kids – When They Need It The Most The Arizona Chapter of Hunt of a Lifetime (HOAL) grants outdoor wishes to kids who are ill. Phoenix, AZ – July 30, 2007 Talk to anyone involved with Hunt of a Lifetime and they will love to chat about their many success stories. These stories would not be possible without the help of the public, however – and the public’s help is needed constantly to keep this great program going! HOAL provides hunting and fishing opportunities for children with life-threatening and terminal illnesses. The Arizona Chapter has been in existence since the year 2000, thanks to the efforts of Janie Henson and Gary Keeny, who were the first Arizona Ambassadors to HOAL. As a national organization, HOAL has helped over 200 kids achieve their dream hunts. Since legislation was passed in Arizona in 2005 to make tag transfers possible, HOAL AZ has sent 14 youngsters on 16 hunts. They are currently in the coordination phase for 6 more hunts this year! The most direct way to help this program is to donate your big game tag. Perhaps you are injured and can’t hunt; maybe something came up and you won’t be able to participate in the hunt that you drew; even better – you just want to do something generous for a young person that has been dealt a poor hand. Arizona Ambassador Terry Petko said this, in telling of the three year journey to get the legislation created and passed: “How many times do you get an opportunity in life to do something that will benefit so many and know that when you pass away, your efforts will still be fulfilling dreams. I feel pretty blessed to have been led down this path.” When a youngster is accepted into the program, they receive a total hunt package including equipment, transportation (air and car), a guide/outfitter, lodging, meat processing and delivery, as well as taxidermy and delivery of their mount at no cost. They are allowed to bring one parent along on their hunt. There are many ways people can help, besides donating tags. Individuals or businesses can assist in providing hotel accommodations. The donation of frequent flier miles is always appreciated. Embroidery and silk-screening services for hats and shirts make a terrific donation, as do printing services for brochures and business cards. Sporting goods gift certificates help in providing equipment to the kids. Guide and Outfitter services always help ensure a top-notch experience for these kids. Of course, cash is always needed and appreciated. Petko reminds everyone that there is still a lot of work to be done. “So far we have been able to grant hunts here in Arizona to every child that requested to come here. We still need all of the donations we can get as I am stepping up the recruiting efforts with the goal of knowing that every child that qualifies for our program, and wants to go on a hunting or fishing trip here in Arizona – gets that chance.” HOAL wants people to know that there are still some hunts available for qualifying children, for the fall/winter 2007 season. To learn what opportunities are available, please contact them as soon as possible. "Hunt Of A Lifetime" is a nonprofit organization with a mission to grant hunting & fishing adventures and dreams for children age 21 and under, who have been diagnosed with life threatening illnesses. To learn more, please visit www.hoalarizona.org or contact Terry Petko at 602-689-9524 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Outdoor Writer Report post Posted August 13, 2007 Marshall, The following will be posted on the NSSF's Huntandshoot.org web site this week. -TONY HOAL Needs Kids Hunt of a Lifetime (HOAL) is a national nonprofit organization that provides hunting and fishing opportunities for children with life-threatening and terminal illnesses. Since Arizona passed legislation in 2005 to make big-game permit transfers possible, the Arizona chapter (HOAL AZ) has sent 14 youngsters on 16 hunts. Right now, however, HOAL AZ has a shortage of youngsters to fill several available hunts, that include five for bull elk and one each for pronghorn antelope and bear in Arizona. There's also an ibex hunt in New Mexico available. These are all premium hunting opportunties that most adult hunters would love to have. When a youngster is accepted to take part, he or she receives a total hunt package including equipment, transportation (air and ground), a guide/outfitter, lodging, meat processing and delivery, as well as taxidermy and delivery of their mount at no cost. One parent can also accompany the young hunter. So if you have a minor child (age 10-17) or know someone else who has one with a life threatening illness who would like to go on an HOAL hunt, contact Arizona Ambassador Terry Petko by phone at 602-689-9524 or by e-mail at tpetko@hoalarizona.org as soon as possible. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
muskrat Report post Posted August 14, 2007 Thanks Tony!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Outdoor Writer Report post Posted August 15, 2007 Thanks Tony!! That same snippet appeared in Jim Sheperd's Outdoor Wire today. It has a VERY large e-mail distribution, especially among media members. -TONY Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
muskrat Report post Posted August 15, 2007 Yes, I read it this morning... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Outdoor Writer Report post Posted August 18, 2007 Marshall, See HuntandShoot.org. -TONY Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
