The High Bridge Strutters Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) recently hosted its 11th annual Hunting Heritage Banquet in Farmville. More than 400 people attended the banquet.

Each year the chapter selects a local child – a banquet buddy – who has been diagnosed with an illness to raise monies to assist the family. The funds help cover medical expenses and other costs the family may endure. This year’s recipient is Mitch Newton.

Mitch, his dad Mitch Sr., and his brother Mason, live in Keysville. Little Mitch was diagnosed with Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy.

Mitch was diagnosed at age five and is now eight years old. He just finished the second grade at Prince Edward County Public Schools.

According to President of the High Bridge Strutters Chapter Eddie Scruggs, a check for $26,000 was presented to Mitch and his dad. Attendees of the annual banquet continue to amaze members of the chapter. Much love is shown during the event. At one point during the fundraiser, a woman presented a ring to the auctioneer to auction off because she wanted to help but could not donate money.

Scruggs went on to say that he hopes the chapter’s initiative improves the lives of the family not just now but for the future. We may be a small, rural community, but our hearts are big and we open our pocketbooks for those in need.