The North Jersey Friends of NRA dinner, held on October 7th, was a tremendous success, bringing together more than 500 attendees at The Grove in Cedar Grove, New Jersey, for an unforgettable evening of fundraising, fellowship, and support for the future of shooting sports.
The event raised more than $130,000 to support youth programs and shooting sports initiatives throughout New Jersey, helping ensure that valuable grant funding reaches organizations and activities that make a difference in local communities.
With an enthusiastic crowd, generous donors, and strong participation from local businesses, the evening demonstrated the power of a community united behind a common cause.
The event welcomed an impressive group of attendees, including NRA President Bill Bachenberg, representatives from the NRA Whittington Center, podcast hosts, members of the Nam Knights Motorcycle Club, and supporters from across the state. Two tables of NRA leadership were also in attendance, underscoring the significance of the evening and the dedication of those working to advance the mission of Friends of NRA.
A major highlight was the exceptional support from firearms retailers, manufacturers, and local businesses that contributed generously to the event. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in fundraising activities featuring an impressive selection of donated products, including the Sons of Liberty L89 Custom Rifle, SIG Sauer P226-XCarry Legion, Staccato, Bull Armory Ultralight Pro Gun of the Year, Jacob Grey TWC Black, Ravin V400, Beretta 92X, and SIG Sauer P365 AXG Legion.
The event also received significant publicity through Gun For Hire, helping spread the word and encourage participation throughout the community.
In a post-event message, Gun For Hire celebrated the turnout and the collective effort behind the evening, highlighting the record number of brick-and-mortar retailers participating this year. That support reflects the commitment of businesses and individuals who recognize the importance of investing in the next generation.
Beyond the impressive attendance and fundraising total, the event delivered a meaningful result for communities throughout the state. According to NRA Field Representative Nate Hedrick, the funds raised will allow Friends of NRA to fully fund New Jersey's grants for the year.
Hedrick expressed his appreciation for the people and businesses who made the evening possible.
“A huge thank you to the committee, especially John and JJ Occhipinti, along with all the New Jersey gun shops and everyone else who supported the dinner. Their hard work, generosity, and commitment made this event a tremendous success. Thanks to this incredible support, we were able to fund all of New Jersey's grants for the year.”
— Nate Hedrick, NRA Field Representative, Eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland
Friends of NRA fundraising events help provide grants to eligible organizations that support youth programs, shooting sports education, and related activities. The success of the North Jersey dinner is a powerful example of how local fundraising can create opportunities and strengthen these programs for the future.
An event of this scale takes months of planning, countless volunteer hours, and the support of an entire community. The North Jersey dinner was made possible by the dedication of its organizing committee, including John and JJ Occhipinti, along with volunteers, participating retailers, individual donors, and the staff at The Grove.
Gun For Hire and We Shoot were among the businesses recognized for their significant support, alongside the many firearms dealers and other contributors who donated products, time, and resources. Their generosity helped create an exceptional experience for attendees while advancing an important cause.
The dedication behind the scenes was just as significant as what guests experienced that evening. From coordinating donations and preparing event materials to managing logistics and bringing the many details together, volunteers worked tirelessly to make the dinner a memorable occasion.
Their efforts culminated in an outstanding night that celebrated community, generosity, and a shared commitment to supporting youth programs throughout New Jersey.
Thank You, New Jersey!
Friends of NRA extends its sincere thanks to everyone who attended, volunteered, donated, and helped make the North Jersey dinner such a remarkable success. More than $130,000 raised, over 500 attendees, and full funding for New Jersey's grants demonstrate what is possible when a community comes together.
The success of this event is a testament to the dedication of New Jersey's Friends of NRA supporters and their commitment to investing in the future.
We look forward to building on this momentum and welcoming everyone back for another outstanding event next year!
