While we couldn’t be more grateful for the record-setting nature of the day —  what we’re most proud of is the community we’ve been able to build around the Shoot-Out.  So many give so much of themselves, and share their time, resources, networks and good will to help us drive our mission forward.  The stories we hear of the selflessness of our support base mean so much to us and are such a validation of the work we do with young people.

We extend our deepest appreciation to our Title Sponsor, Rockport Mortgage Corporation, our Target Sponsor, Smith & Wesson, our Fireworks Sponsor, Naults Powersports & Marine, and our Gold Sponsor, Douglas A. King Builders. We also want to recognize our Hotshot Sponsors—Santoro Oil, 1A Auto, DiAntonio Family Trust, and the Reynolds Family Foundation—along with our Anniversary Sponsors: Newport Craft, Eastern Propane, and Colt. Special thanks to our Signage Sponsors, including Sig Sauer, Life Wear Technologies, Ruger, and others who helped enhance the event’s atmosphere. Additionally, we appreciate Silencer Central for providing lanyards and Sparkling Ice / Talking Rain for the charging stations.

This year, we were also fortunate to have a dedicated Inaugural Committee whose outreach expanded our network of supporters, making a significant impact and helping us get closer to our ambitious goal.

The culinary experience was exceptional, thanks to our food and beverage sponsors. We started the day with delicious coffee and donuts from Dunkin’, enjoyed appetizers from The Sausage Guy and Blackbird Farm, and savored a fabulous dinner courtesy of Capital Grille. Our lunch sponsors—Dan’s, The Lyons Group  and Vinnie Lombardi, Gordon Food Service, Piantedosi, and TriMark—ensured everyone was well-fed and satisfied throughout the day. A huge shout-out to our beverage sponsors, including Coca Cola, Brady Vineyard, Harpoon, KEEL Vodka, Megalodon, Thomas Tew, and Boston Harbor Distillery for keeping our spirits high!

We are also immensely grateful to our corporate partners: Rockport Mortgage, Lykins Family, Granite Telecommunications, Haynes Group, and Twelve Points Wealth Management. Our sincere appreciation extends to our Board of Directors and the Light Foundation staff, whose tireless efforts drive our mission forward. A special thank you to Jack O’Brien, Paula Gaebe and the entire team at Addieville East Farm for their exceptional hospitality and support.

The event featured fantastic entertainment, with comedian Lenny Clarke serving as auctioneer, and Tyler Farr, a talented country music star, providing musical entertainment. We were also thrilled to welcome several celebrities, including former Patriots players Tedy Bruschi, Ty Law, Patrick Pass, Dan Koppen, Rob Ninkovich and more, and celebrity artist Brian Fox, along with TV personality Willie Robertson, whose presence added star power to our celebration.

The excitement didn’t stop there! Participants enjoyed a variety of engaging activities, including a handgun contest run by leading firearms manufacturers, a relaxing cigar lounge courtesy of Rolling Stogies, and fly-fishing lessons from Thomas & Thomas Outfitters. The thrill continued with a mobile shooting simulator provided by Gun Parlor, archery from Bass Pro Shops, and even axe throwing from Crazy Axes. Our live and silent auctions, along with the brand-new mystery safe and Kawasaki unit drawings, offered an array of incredible opportunities for attendees to win amazing prizes and experiences.

Our event wouldn’t have been possible without our wonderful volunteers. Thank you to Jenna Strickland, Stephen Strickland, Liz and Scott Hall, along with all our team captains, for your dedication and hard work. Your enthusiasm and commitment are what make this event shine!

The funds raised will support our work for the better part of the next 12 months. We’ll be able to maintain our staff, directly support our scholarship programs, enhance our outdoor leadership facility, and provide vital resources for our eight Leadership Academy youth programs, including our New England-based Leadership Conference, and the expansion this Fall of our Light Project into Rhode Island. Together, we are making a lasting impact in the lives of our young people we serve.

We invite you to stay connected with us through our website and social media channels. Your feedback is incredibly important to us, so please reach out at admin@mattlight72.com with your thoughts.

Thank you once again for being a part of our journey and for helping us reach this significant anniversary milestone. Here’s to 20 years of success and many more to come. Can’t wait to see you again!

With heartfelt gratitude,