GREENBRIER COUNTY, W.Va. (WVDN) – What began in August 2023 with eight people and a desire to educate youngsters about the outdoors has grown into an organization with 73 members and donations that have now exceeded $100,000 for local youth.
The Greenbrier Valley Sportsman Alliance (GVSA), whose mission is, in part, to foster a spirit of camaraderie among members of the community through a common interest in hunting, shooting, fishing and overall outdoors, recently awarded $19,000 in grant money to various Archery in the Schools Programs and the JROTC Air Rifle Team. Through their support of local groups in Greenbrier, Pocahontas, Monroe and Summers counties, the organization has grown into one that will forever be instilled in the hearts and minds of young outdoorsmen (and women) as they grow.
“It’s a great privilege to work with the young people,” says Ralph Taylor, President of Greenbrier Valley Sportsman Alliance. “The whole reason behind the club is to get these kids outdoors and away from the video games and phones. So far, it’s worked very well and we’ve had a lot of support. All of the money raised stays right here in the Greenbrier Valley and is spent here on the kids,” he adds. That’s the joy of it all.”
In addition to various youth events throughout the year, the GVSA also supports the Hattie Rae Callison Memorial Scholarship Fund, through which they have donated over $6,000 to local area schools, including Greenbrier East and Greenbrier West. “I am honored to be part of Greenbrier Valley Sportsman Alliance, an organization that is committed to encouraging our youth to enjoy the outdoors,” says Ronnie Snedegar, member-at-large.
In order to continue, this organization relies not only on member support, community involvement and local youth’s interest in the outdoors, but also on the effort on the part of the grant/donation recipients. When money is donated to a specific program, the recipients are expected to help raise part of their financial goal themselves to demonstrate their effort. For example, if $3,000 is requested, the recipient might be asked to raise $1,000 themselves and will then be gifted the remaining $2,000. In addition, grant/donation recipients must support the GVSA by donating their time in helping with youth day, other events or at the banquet.
The Greenbrier Valley Sportsman Alliance will host their 3rd annual banquet on Saturday, March 7, in the WV Building at the West Virginia State Fairgrounds. With 800 tickets initially available, the event is nearing, or has possibly already reached, sellout. However, there are still opportunities for those who wish to contribute. The organization is currently seeking underwriters for several items, including 2 Earl Jackson wine barrel tables. These locally handcrafted items will be part of a silent auction at the banquet, with all proceeds benefiting local youth. Other items will be auctioned live.
“We have no paid positions,” Ronnie Snedegar said. “In fact, every member pays $50 a year to be part of GVSA. We buy our own shirts and hats to work the banquet,” he adds. “Zero dollars go anywhere except to help our kids.”
All funds raised at the Greenbrier Valley Sportsman Alliance annual banquet will benefit local youth and future GVSA events. If you are interested in underwriting an item for the banquet or would like to make a monetary donation, you can reach out to any member through social media by searching ‘Greenbrier Valley Sportsman Alliance’ on Facebook. If you are interested in joining the GVSA as a member, there is a $50 membership fee. Following the completion of a successful background check, new members will be voted in and will then be able to work with the organization.
