Smith & Wesson Donates Proceeds from Game Dinner to Pioneer Valley USO

SPRINGFIELD — Smith & Wesson Corp. announced it has contributed more than $32,000 to the Pioneer Valley USO. Proceeds raised from the company’s annual game dinner have benefited the Pioneer Valley USO and its programs supporting American military personnel and their families for more than a decade. Armed-forces members and families access the USO for social, recreational, educational, and entertainment programs and services.

“We always appreciate the tremendous support this event receives,” said David Mendoza, Pioneer Valley USO board president. “We are honored to be the recipient of the funds raised from the annual Smith & Wesson game dinner. This event is a wonderful opportunity for the USO to raise awareness of our presence in the Pioneer Valley and provide needed support to our military personnel and their families in Western Massachusetts.”

At the annual event, Smith & Wesson game dinner attendees enjoy a variety of wild game dishes prepared by a team of dedicated volunteers. One of the most popular events of its kind, the dinner hosts nearly 500 guests, and this year featured menu items including pheasant, elk, bear, boar, moose, and venison. Led by Chef Norm Boucher from Chicopee Comprehensive High School’s culinary department, volunteers created dishes like antelope meatballs marinara, southern-style pulled boar, pot roast of Maine black bear, and wild bird pot pie. In addition to the food-preparation team, Smith & Wesson volunteers donated more than 500 personal hours to make the event a success. The game meat was donated by hunters affiliated with Smith & Wesson, Foggy Mountain Guide Service, and Linx Wildlife Management, among others. This year’s event included a limited number of sponsorships, giving local businesses the opportunity to show their support. Big-game sponsor Thorn Industries of Three Rivers, as well as other area businesses, provided additional support for the USO.

“It is always wonderful to see such a dedicated team of volunteers come together for this event year after year,” said Mark Smith, president of Smith & Wesson’s Manufacturing Services Division. “We want to thank our volunteers and generous contributors who support this event and the Pioneer Valley USO, which offers critical aid to American service personnel and their families.”