'Clay Shoot for America’s Heroes' returns to Pace

In its fourth year, Gulf Power’s Clay Shoot for America’s Heroes attracts up to 40 teams that help raise money to support organizations working with veterans across Northwest Florida. [Special to the Press Gazette]

PENSACOLA — Last year, charities that support the military received more than $90,000 from the Gulf Power Clay Shoot for America’s Heroes.

On Nov. 2, the event returns to the Santa Rosa Shooting Center, 6950 Quintette Road, Pace, to support three area charities that provide assistance to wounded and at-risk military members and their families.

2017 beneficiary organizations are:

Pathways for Change, Pensacola: A new 12-bed transitional facility for female veterans; offers services such as substance abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder/mental health counseling and job training for up to two years.

3rd Chance Inc., Fort Walton Beach: Building a transitional home for homeless veterans; partnering with other homeless agencies to provide these veterans new clothes, counseling, a job and other transitional services

Friends of Clifford Chester Sims State Veterans Nursing Home, Panama City: Provides quality of life services and items veterans or their families cannot afford to purchase such as personal items to improve their quality of life. Florida Department of Veterans Affairs supports the basics for these veterans but does not pay for other items such as activities, games and personal items including dentures.

Each year up to 40 teams participate in the Clay Shoot for America’s Heroes, an event organized by Gulf Power Transformers, a nonprofit employees service organization that provides support to local communities through volunteer service and financial assistance. Over the last four years, this event has raised more than $300,000 in support of veteran-related services.

This year’s event will feature two start times at Santa Rosa Shooting Center in Pace. Flights begin 8 a.m. and in the afternoon at 1:30 p.m. — with lunch from the Big Juicy Butts barbecue team being served for both flights at noon.

Those who register as a team will have the opportunity to participate in three games with the chance to win prizes. There will also be a silent auction.

This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: 'Clay Shoot for America’s Heroes' returns to Pace