The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s field staff and dedicated volunteers are our true, in-the-trenches conservation heroes in these unprecedented times. They are stepping up to the plate every day to ensure that the mission of RMEF continues to have an impact. This has meant working together to navigate the administrative firestorm of big game banquet cancellations and postponements. It has meant tirelessly stretching dollars by securing cash donations, running online auctions, sweepstakes, raffles and more.
Regional Directors and lead volunteers all across the nation are working daily to navigate a way to hold rescheduled RMEF Big Game Banquets this summer. We’re all looking forward to celebrating the first banquet since the COVID-19 pandemic forced a nation-wide shutdown. Nothing compares to these gatherings of RMEF supporters, members and volunteers. These get-togethers are a great time, and they provide our main source of fundraising revenue—vital fuel for our conservation impact on the ground.
I have no doubt that our dedicated volunteers can overcome any obstacle. I’ve seen it before, I’m seeing it now and I’ll see it again. During the many conversations I’ve had with volunteers lately, I grow more and more humbled and impressed by their commitment. They continue to stress that, now more than ever, it is crucial to step up and support hunting and conservation, and that is exactly what they are doing. Tough times lay bare the true nature of the people that make up an organization. I’m proud to say that our organization holds only the best.
On behalf of the entire RMEF Field Operations department, I would like to say thank you to all of our volunteers for your continued monetary support, hard work, and most of all, the time that you continue to give. You inspire us all. I look forward to seeing many of you at a banquet in the very near future.
Yours in Conservation,
Chad Franklin
RMEF VP of field operations