COURTLAND

Regional hunters in southside counties such as Southampton and Sussex have again demonstrated their concern and compassion for other Virginians struggling to put food on the table for their families.

Virginia Hound Heritage presented $10,000 to the Hunters for the Hungry organization during a benefit dinner and dance on Saturday evening at the Franklin-Southampton County Fairgrounds.

Receiving the contribution were Laura Newell-Furniss, director of the H4H, and Gary Arrington, who will succeed her on her retirement this spring.

VHH member William Hart Gillette explained to all attending that last October the organization presented to H4H a portable trailer, valued at $10,900, which can be refrigerated to store contributions of deer meat. Newell-Furniss was also on hand to accept that gift.

“This meat goes to a lot of inner-city food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters and the like,” Gillette said.

He also pointed out that the H4H explained in a newsletter that it had lost two corporate donors, Altria (Philip Morris USA) and Walmart, which decided last spring to discontinue grants.

“I learned that at end of summer after reading the newsletter. It was a shock, really, to me,” Gillette later told The Tidewater News. “We’re working hard to make up some of that lost revenue. That’s what Virginia Hound Heritage has been concentrating on the last six months.”

VHH was started by Southampton and Sussex hunters, he said, but has spread beyond that to include hunters in Brunswick, Greensville, Isle of Wight and Prince George counties.

Before the check presentation, Tanner Drewry of Prince George High School was recognized for the success of his project in getting deer meat for the H4H.

“Deer hunting has always been a passion of mine, said the 16-year-old. “My goal was to get 500 pounds of deer meat from eight hunt clubs … I got 700 to 800 pounds. I never thought it would get that big.”

The VHH also lauded the Sebrell Hunt Club, which Gillette said has “been a tremendous help this year.” Pete Rhodes, who is both a club member and VHH board director, accepted the plaque of honor.

David Burks and his crew of Burks Farm in Providence Forgee provided the meal, and Silver Springs entertained with music for dancing.

To learn more about Hunters for the Hungry, visit www.h4hungry.org or call 800-352-4868 or 434-299-6050.

For more information about about the Virginia Hound Heritage, reach out to Gillette at 651-8137.