By Conrad Dudderar
Senior Staff Writer
A third annual Yukon archery shoot will benefit a nonprofit social service agency that provides emergency shelter – and hope – for children and teens.
Ken Wilkins, owner of Archery Traditions in Yukon, said everyone is welcome to come out – even if they’ve never tried archery – this Saturday for the fundraiser to support Youth & Family Services (YFS).
The event will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 26 at Archery Traditions of Oklahoma, 328 Elm. Cost is $20 for adults and $10 for youth 12 years and under. Equipment rental is $5.
“It will be a fun shoot, open to the public, with 27 life-size 3D animal targets,” Wilkins said. “You don’t have to be a shooter. Everyone is welcome to shoot – regardless of skill level. We encourage people to come out whether they’re an experienced shooter or not.
“Last year, quite a few people didn’t shoot but came out to support Youth & Family Services.”
All proceeds from this benefit shoot help YFS, a 501c3 charitable agency that services Canadian, Blaine, Kingfisher, and Oklahoma counties.
YFS has provided hope for children with broken hearts for 45 years. The agency’s programs provide care, facilitate hope and mend broken lives.
Programs include: Counseling, school consultation, youth GED/educational services, mentoring, tutoring, independent living, youth employment services, parent training courses, drug and alcohol education and first-offender programs.
The YFS emergency youth shelter and family services center are located at 7565 E Hwy 66 in El Reno, just west of Yukon.
YFS HELPS 2,600 PEOPLE ANNUALLY
“This is the third year we’ve had this event at Archery Traditions,” Wilkins said. “A lot of what we do here is focused on kids, including a youth program on Saturdays and hosting birthday parties.
“Youth & Family Services is something we have a heart for. They work with displaced kids, foster kids and adoptive services. We know a family that has adopted kids from their program.”
More than 2,600 people receive help from YFS annually.
The benefit shoot at Archery Traditions provides plenty of fun and fellowship.
“This is a fun event and a great way to raise money for Youth & Family Services,” Wilkins said. “We want to promote what they do and provide public attention to the services they offer.
“It’s also a way for us to give back to the community. We’re not just here to make money; we’re here to support the community and give back so we can make our city and county a better place.”
Cindi Turner, Friends coordinator for Youth & Family Services, said the public will support YFS by attending Saturday’s benefit archery event.
Turner said even those who don’t shoot will have the chance to win some nice raffle items: Adult bicycle, Yeti cooler, handcrafted knife, gift baskets, restaurant gift cards, BB guns, lady’s spa day gift basket, gun range time, 100 rounds to shoot from a machine gun, baked goods, honey bee gift basket, Yukon Millers basket, Rtic tumbler, and Canes gift basket.
Archery Traditions of Oklahoma is housed in an almost 11,000 square foot space inside Old Mill Plaza Shopping Center in downtown Yukon. The 8,000 square foot range features 21 standard lanes and six 3D lanes.
