Fundraiser for Ducks Unlimited Feb. 28

The Prince William County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited has been raising significant amounts for money for wildlife conservation in Virginia and nationally for 36 years.

In fact, the group annually raises between $30,000 and $35,000 from volunteer efforts and through its annual fundraising banquet.

Last year, the club finished second in the state for funds raised in the classification of up to 200 people attending a banquet. Through the years it has always finished among the top 10 clubs in money raised, according to officials of the Prince William organization.

In addition to being a top fundraiser, what separate this DU chapter from others in the state (and maybe the nation) is that women make-up a majority of the chapter’s planning committee.

There are 27 people on the committee and 15 are women, ranging in age from 30 to 75.

“We are the only Ducks Unlimited chapter in Virginia where women committee members are in the majority,” said Chip Rohr, co-chairman along with wife Nancy.

He added: “Our fundraising successes are due to the energy, enthusiasm and creativity that these talented local women contribute to the wetland and waterfowl conservation.”

Nancy Rohr, who has been a co-chairman for 15 years, said she became a member “because I was tired of people destroying our wetlands which are vital to nesting areas for ducks. I want to help this organization bring back a place for them to live.”

This year’s fundraiser will be Feb. 28 at the Virginia Portuguese Community Center on Lee Ave. in Manassas.

The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with a social hour and entertainment and dinner at 7 p.m.

The dinner includes door prizes, fun raffles, items for sale as well as a silent and live auction. Prizes and auctions consist of limited edition art and many articles with conservation, duck, sportsman, local history and outdoor themes. A trip to a resort in Costa Rica is among the live auction items this year.

Thom Pattie will return as the auctioneer.

The annual Prince William Ducks Unlimited Conservationist of the Year award will be presented. The recipient was selected by the Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District.

Committee member Lisa Harlow said she became involved because while the other clubs across the state are male-dominated “we are couple and family oriented. While the men are interested in guns and hunting, we women find other things that interest us. We are all good people, out to raise funds for a good cause.”

The club has about 300 members with 150 to 200 coming out for the banquet. Their membership opens the door to many opportunities to learn about watershed and waterfowl conservation.

“Come to our dinner party and help support the ducks,” Committee member Ellen Patterson concluded.