An idea sparked by Picayune baseball coach Cody Stogner’s father, who’s a veteran, turned into an opportunity for the team’s booster club.
Now, the Picayune chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars will host the inaugural Picayune Maroon Tide Baseball Diamond Club turkey shoot Saturday.
In a search to offer a unique and fun activity for the community, while raising funds for the program, Stogner’s father, a member of the VFW in Picayune, helped organize the turkey shoot.
At the turkey shoot, participants will have a chance to win over 20 prizes, including custom made corn hole boards, a 1-month membership to Yune Crossfit, free car detailing by Robertson Brothers, gift cards to local businesses, a whole ribeye and more.
“Turkey shoots are a blast. It’s a great time to come relax and enjoy something you don’t normally get to do every day with the family. It’s a different kind of fundraiser that’s going to be a lot of fun,” Stogner said.
Last year, Stogner held a golf tournament in an effort to raise enough funds so the Maroon Tide baseball players and their families didn’t have to pay out of pocket for baseball caps, bats, cleats and gloves.
Although enough funds were collected to cover some of those items, Stogner said he is still on a mission to make sure none of his athletes within the Picayune baseball program have to pay for their supplies, including the junior high baseball athletes, he said.
The entry fee for the turkey shoot will vary depending on the prize in the particular round presented by the VFW.
The fun doesn’t end after the turkey shoot is over, Stogner said. An auction will feature homemade cakes, additional gift cards and other interesting objects.
“None of this would be possible without the help of the veterans,” Stogner said. “They are volunteering their time and facility to host this event. We’re hoping for a great turnout Saturday.”
Along with a chance to win a couple of dozen prizes, typical ballpark cuisine, such as hamburgers, hotdogs, sausage dogs and cold beverages, will be served during the event.
The turkey shoot will be held at the local VFW, located at 421 Ridge Road in Picayune, starting at noon June 3. There is no schedule time the event will end.
“I want to keep this program on an upward slope; upgrading the facilities and getting new equipment