Breast-cancer charity has raised $3.5 million for research grants
Heather Vohs from Greensboro stepped up with a shotgun in hand. At her side, shooting instructor Chris Austin coached as she blasted a flying clay pigeon to pieces. Vohs was one of 150 female shooters who took on a larger challenge than busting pink clay pigeons this past Saturday. They gathered for the third annual “Blasting For Boobs” event at Shane’s Sporting Clays near Summerfield to raise money for Friends For An Earlier Breast Cancer Test, a group that has provided $3.5 million to find 90 cancer research grants.
After her first sporting clays shoot this past Saturday, Vohs said she’ll be back. “I will do this again because I enjoy a challenge,” she said.
Shane Naylor, owner of the range, was the shoot’s host, along with his wife, Trish. Remington, whose corporate headquarters are less than 20 miles away in Rockingham County, furnished 20-gauge shotguns and shells, and local businesses provided food and drink for the shooters.
For Shane Naylor, the event means more than shotgun fun in the autumn sun.
“Trish’s aunt, Patsy Ridenhour, passed away from breast cancer,” he said. “We do this for her.”
Trish Naylor said the 150 spots sold out before the event.
“We put the word out, and these women came to support us,” she said. “This is geared for beginners, but we also have some seasoned shooters.”
During the morning, volunteers divided shooters into teams. While the forest displayed bright fall foliage under a clear, blue sky, shooters shot five rounds each at five stations on the course, cheering each other on through hits and misses alike.
For some, it was the first time they’d ever held a shotgun. Not Carlie Williams of Liberty, however. In August, the East Carolina University sophomore began shooting sporting clays with her father, Gary Williams, who taught her well. She stepped up and hit five birds in a row.
“This is great,” she said. “We need to get more women shooting.”
At mid-day, the women finished their shoot. They enjoyed fresh baked pizza then browsed the shopping tents for jewelry, clothing and other goodies.
Carlie Williams stayed to shoot another 100 rounds on the course with her father.
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