The Eighth Annual Pearl River County Friends of the NRA Banquet and Auction was held Thursday, September 27th, at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Picayune.

A large crowd turned out for the event, which auctioned items that represented something of interest for everyone.

Claiborne “Buddy” McDonald, IV, was the guest speaker for the evening and after thanking the committee and volunteers for their hard work, he kept his message, on the importance of NRA and individuals using their right to vote, to the point.

“This is one of the most effective and active organizations in protecting our Second Amendment rights to possess arms. They have led the fight in the Congress and the state legislatures,” he told the crowd.

Many members of Pearl River County law enforcement and District Attorney’s office were in attendance.

“What I have seen here tonight are God-fearing Americans. People who cling to the constitution and their rights set forth in it,” said District Attorney Hal Kittrell.

Pearl River County Sheriff David Allison, said, “It was a great crowd and I always have a wonderful time. I go every year and I think NRA is an important organization, because they fight for our right to bear arms. The criminals will always have them, the law abiding citizens need to have the right to defend themselves and their loved ones.

“I’d like to thank all of the local people who invest so much time in this event to make it such a success. People like Bill Martin, Christa Groom, Rhonda Johnson and Floyd Massey — they make a difference in an event of this scale.”

Chairman, Friends of the NRA of Pearl River County,  MS, William “Bill” Martin, said, “All of the FNRA Committee members thought that the event went real well and that our guest had an great time. There were approximately 120 people at the event and the amount raised did exceed the prior year.

“We are hoping in the future to get more of the community involved in this event and to learn more about the Friends of the NRA they can go to http://www.friendsofnra.org/.”