It's been a couple of years since the Chico chapter of Ducks Unlimited has conducted a fundraising dinner, but the "New and improved" version of the dinner that had been held annually since 1971 will take place on March 23.
This years' chairperson Gina Vernoga is a rookie to DU banquet planning, but nonetheless has managed to put together what looks to be a stellar event. "My mother and I had gone to the local ladies' DU dinner in the past", said Vernoga. "When we were contacted by DU Regional Director Jason Rounsaville about reviving the Chico dinner, I didn't plan on being the chairperson. We went to the meeting and got the ball rolling from square one."
Vernoga's husband is a local third-generation almond farmer, but she also has a historic connection with DU. "Ducks Unlimited helped my grandfather. They put in millions of dollars in waterfowl habitat on his farm back in Maryland."
Vernoga continued, "About halfway through the planning we were contacted by Harry Boyle, who asked how he could help. Harry really helped us out a lot with his experience and contacts. We have a very small committee, and we hope to recruit more people who are interested in future activities at the dinner."
The Master of Ceremonies will be Chico's own world-champion duck caller Harry Boyle, himself a DU "Gold Teal Award" winner. A terrific assortment of raffle and auction prizes will be available. Highlights this year will include the 70th Anniversary DU Commemorative "Gun of the Year", which is a 12 ga. Browning Silver Hunter semi-auto. Other items will include guided hunting and fishing trips, guns and wildlife-themed art.
Catering will be done by Outback Steakhouse, with a "cooked to order" T-bone topping the bill of fare. Cheesecake for dessert and at least five cases from the Roche Winery in Sonoma are also slated. "You'll never go to a fundraising dinner and drink wine like this", quipped Boyle.
The festivities will start at 5:30 PM on Mar. 23 at the Masonic Family Center in Chico. Tickets are $55 single and $110 couple, and are available at the Chico Sportsmen's Den, the Tackle Box and Long's Drugs in Chico. Call 518-9928 or 891-1361 for tickets or more information. Send your outdoor news items to Steve Carson via e-mail at scarson@sunset.net Send your outdoor news items to Steve Carson via e-mail scarson@sunset.net