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Times being what they are and the economy being tough on all of us, some things
require planning and budgeting. Some people will cut out all excess events etc.
There are many though that still will try to do the things they feel are
important or they really enjoy. The fight to protect the 2nd Amendment is
something that is dear to all gun owners. Even in tough times they will fight to
protect it, because they know if they don’t, it won’t be there in good times.
This requires budgeting money to attend events we still want to participate in,
even if it takes putting x amount of dollars aside each week. Then when the
event comes up, the money will be there and it also will be a boost to spend
time with other gun owners, knowing we can pull together through thick and thin!
Some of the things you may want to start planning and budgeting for now could be
these. If you would like to attend the ISRA Annual meeting, it will be held in
Springfield on Feb. 20 & 21st. This year it will be more convenient for people
in the central part of the state to attend. Sure February seems a ways off, but
after Christmas it will be only a month and a half away. Christmas involves
spending some money, so it’s best not to have to rush to get funds together for
the annual meeting.
Next and not far behind, is IGOLD on March 11th, Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day.
This does not cost a lot of money, but may require some planning. This is a very
special event that needs to grow, with more bodies attending every year! We need
to show the legislature that we are growing and we are not going away. We even
provide bus transportation from many locations, so you don’t have to drive! You
don’t want them saying; ”Well the economy seems to have taken the wind out of
the sails of the gun owners”. I would rather have them say, “Wow these people
are really determined and a major growing force every year”!
This is one day every gun owner should attend, even if it means taking a
vacation day to do it! Last year we had 2500 people attend. This year let’s
shoot to double that or triple it. All it will take is you to say I’m going this
year. We would like the march on the capitol to be 5-6 blocks long this year. We
can’t do it without you! Plan on being a part of this great cause for the gun
owners of Illinois.
Last but certainly not the least is the ISRA Legal Defense Fund Banquet to raise
much-needed funds for legal battles. This one could require some budgeting to
really enjoy. There is not only the purchase of a dinner ticket, but raffle
tickets. To enjoy this event it does take money. You may win a nice firearm or
some other great prize at this event, but the money is really needed to defend
that freedom we cherish so much.
As you know the Supreme Court has decided on our side. This is good, but will
open a lot of litigation in the courts. All kinds of sneaky schemes will come
out to circumvent that ruling. As a result a lot of battles will be in the
courts, challenging these schemes. Therefore the dinner in May will raise money
for these battles and other court actions. One point to keep in mind is that the
ISRA Legal Defense Fund is a 501(c)3 charitable organization, so all funds
donated at this dinner, as well as any prize donations, will be tax deductible
to the fullest extent allowed by law. We’re looking forward to hosting a fun
filled dinner to support this cause.
If you attend this event please try to bring two new people with you. If you
have not attended one, you are missing out on a great time spent with fellow gun
owners and supporters of the 2nd Amendment. Here are some great prizes awaiting
you and your friends. There are sponsorship opportunities for those who can
further help the cause, please contact the ISRA office or me. This is an event
everyone should try to attend. Bring your wife or husband or significant other!
The food is great and it’s a fun time! Please plan for this one!
So I have given you an agenda for the next six months. Now it’s up to you to
start dropping $10--$20 a week into an envelope to keep the ISRA alive and well
and also your 2nd Amendment rights intact. I hope to see many of you at these
functions. May the good Lord bless you abundantly, so that you may participate
in these things that are dear to your heart! May all of you have a blessed
Christmas and a very good New Year!
Don Bekeleski
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