Pat Lefemine

Past Anchor Point Columns

POSITIVE ENERGY

It's been hard to put into words the feelings I've had the last couple of days (For those of you just tuning in, we are holding a benefit auction, in memory of our friend Fred Chappell (Fearless in CO) who passed away from cancer in February).

This morning I was involved with some very special people during a special event. The Bowsite Pledged $10,000 to the St. Jude's Children's Cancer Research Hospital along with the $35,000 that was raised by the United Bowhunters of Ct. Thanks to the kindness of many of you here - this $45,000 pledge from Bowhunters made us the top pledge during the entire 48 hour radiothon. The positive publicity generated from this was incredible. More important is the feeling I have right now realizing our small part is helping to fight childhood cancer.

 


Listen to the actual broadcast of our record breaking pledge on 3/9/00 (RealPlayer needed)

A bit of History

I claim no credit for this brilliant idea. In fact, were it not for the tireless efforts of Mike Roberts - UBC Board Member and a man with a heart of gold, I would probably not have thought of it. To date, the United Bowhunters of Connecticut have raised over $200,000 for the St. Jude's Charity. This was done for two reasons - to help kids, and to provide positive publicity and exposure to the non-hunting public. I am extremely proud to be associated with this organization and proud to be a member of the best group of people in the world - Bowhunters!

Through these efforts today, we have reached an estimated 200-300,000 people, of which nearly 99% were non-hunters (the people we desperately need to reach). In addition, we also use this incredible achievement every time we talk with the Game Commission, the media, and our Legislators. A fact that can not go unrecognized in the eyes of the decision makers.

The Antis are Fuming

The anti-hunting organizations are besides themselves over this positive publicity. Their worst nightmare is when the non-hunting public no longer believes their portrayal of bowhunters as selfish, bloodthirsty killers and its hard to do that when we can fire right back at their allegation with this challenge:

"So how much has PETA donated to saving a kids' life?"

Nothing could shut them up faster. As you should know, the anti-hunting groups take in millions of dollars each year, yet their contributions to mankind are zero. Even their contributions to animals are negligible. They are about high-dollar executives and flashy advertising campaigns. But I don't need to convince you - we need to convince them - the non hunting public. And this $45,000 is step 1 for us here.

 

NEGATIVE ENERGY

A man I deeply respect is Dave Canfield, the former publisher of Bowhunter Magazine. Dave and I hunted together at Spearhead Ranch in Wyoming this past fall (Spearhead donated a $3500 guided hunt to our fund raiser by the way). With some coaxing, Dave told us some horrific stories of his role as a chopper pilot in Viet Nam. And he ended his story by remarking how sick he was with the word "Fight." I agree. We fight anti-hunters, we fight crossbows, we fight archery technology, we fight baiting, tree stands, ATV's, more hunters, less hunters, traditional archers, selfbows, longbows, Mathews vs. PSE, etc. etc... I see it here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Many people don't know what the word "fight" means. I suspect Dave has a better understanding than most.

It's not that these issues are not important, they are - or we wouldn't be consumed with them. It's just that to me, the constant bickering is wasted energy which can be better served elsewhere.

 

OUR CHALLENGE TO YOU

Supporting causes like the charitable work of St. Jude's., benefit4kids, TNUSA's Camp for Kids, or Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry is what will save our sport. In my opinion, this is our most important battle - the one for the hearts and minds of the non-hunting public.

So I'm ending this short pontificate with a challenge to follow our lead, or create your own program like the UBC has done. Make a difference in your community in the name of bowhunting and publicize it for all its worth. It just might make you feel like I do right now - walking on air!

 

 A Note About Our Auction

The Fund raiser is being held now through March 29th. To view a list of donations and information on the fund raiser - click here.

To go directly to the Auction Benefit - click here.

My sincere thanks go out to all those businesses and individuals who contributed to this program.