Adequate healthcare is something that every child deserves, and Hilmar High School senior Ali Vieira is doing her part to make sure they have it through the organization of a trap shoot fundraiser, with all proceeds going to Valley Children’s Hospital.
HHS is hoping to raise at least $30,000 for the hospital through various school fundraisers, Vieira said. She and her classmates took it upon themselves to plan an event to help the cause, which is one that is important to her for several reasons.
“My younger sister had melanoma on her stomach last year. It spread to her right arm, but she got it all removed and now she’s fine,” said Vieira. “After that, it made me realize how serious it is and how every kid should have good medical care and doctors like my sister did.”
Vieira, who plans to attend college on a trap shooting scholarship, is a three-year State Junior Trap Shooting Champion, a California State Trap Junior Team member and qualified to try out for the 2016 Junior Olympic Team. She thought the fundraiser would not only be a fun way to raise money, but also a means to spread the word about the sport of trap shooting.
“Trap shooting is my niche and I wanted to give other kids who may not be athletic the chance to see what it is and that there are other options for paying for school,” said Vieira. “Trap is a great community, and I’ve met some generous people through it.”
All shooters are welcome at the fundraiser, from those who may be shooting for the first time to those who consider themselves expert shooters. Each round of trap will cost $5, and ammunition is not provided. Multiple trap houses will be open for different types of shoots, like Annie Oakley shoots, partner shoots and practice shoots. Gun safety will be demonstrated, also.
“It means a lot to me that I’m able to organize this fundraiser as a senior,” said Vieira.
At the fundraiser, Starbucks will be selling refreshments on site, and tri-tip, snacks and other drinks will be for sale as well, with all profits going toward the hospital. There will also be a gun raffle and a 50/50 ticket raffle.
Donations are also being accepted from community members, said Vieira, such as cash donations, raffle prizes, ammunition or any other support.
The trap shoot fundraiser will begin at 10 a.m. Feb. 25, rain or shine, at Newman Swamp Rats, located at 1204 Hills Ferry Road in Newman. To purchase gun raffle tickets or to donate, contact Vieira by phone at 209-648-4324 or by email at alivieira98@gmail.com, or visit the event’s Facebook page, Valley Children’s Trap Shoot.
