The National Friends of NRA Event at the NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits was one to remember. Held at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas, the event gathered a community of supporters, donors, and advocates from across the nation; united by a passion for preserving and advancing the future of the shooting sports.
With 840 attendees in the room, the evening was filled with energy and enthusiasm, raising more than $450,000 gross to support firearm safety training and youth shooting sports programs.
The banquet welcomed an impressive lineup of special guests, including NRA Executive Vice President and CEO Doug Hamlin and current NRA President Bill Bachenberg, along with NRA Board Members, Ring of Freedom members, and industry partners.
The evening began with action packed games, raffles, and a lively social hour as country music singer songwriter Ben Gallaher set the tone. During dinner, Friends of NRA honored outstanding contributions by presenting the Regional Volunteer of the Year and Committee of the Year awards, recognizing individuals and teams whose dedication continues to make a lasting impact.
Doug Hamlin delivered an inspiring keynote address that emphasized the critical role Friends of NRA plays in protecting freedoms and supporting the future of the Second Amendment.
He was followed by Anthony Imperato, Founder and CEO of Henry Repeating Arms, who honored four Texans for their extraordinary courage and service. Three officers were recognized for their swift response to the March 1, 2026 attack in Austin’s entertainment district and were presented with Henry Law Enforcement Tribute Edition rifles. Juan Lopez was also recognized for his heroic actions during a 2025 school event shooting in Pasadena, Texas. A recipient of the prestigious Carnegie Medal, Lopez was presented with a Henry Texas Tribute Edition rifle in recognition of his bravery.
“As we look toward America’s 250th anniversary, we should recognize the people who continue to defend the lives and freedoms of others right here at home,” Imperato said. “The heroes we honored did not ask for the moments that tested them, but when those moments came, they answered.”
Adding to the evening’s impact, retired U.S. Navy Surface Warfare Officer and motivational speaker Vann Morris delivered a stirring tribute to the American flag with his rendition of Old Glory, leaving a lasting impression on attendees. U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche also shared remarks that underscored the significance of the gathering.
These powerful moments reinforced the importance of supporting programs that promote safe and responsible firearms ownership and inspired guests to give generously.
Excitement continued to build as attendees prepared for the live auction, which featured a diverse array of items, including guided hunting excursions, commemorative firearms honoring the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, a guitar signed by Travis Tritt, patriotic home décor, and a custom table crafted with casings from an NRA grant supporting a Texas 4 H youth shooting sports team. Notable auction highlights included a five day elk hunt at the NRA Whittington Center, a Henry Spirit of ’76 Semiquincentennial Edition .44 40 WCF, and a Smith and Wesson Collector’s 1854 Rifle and Model 29 Revolver Set.
“The National Friends of NRA event at the NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits was a tremendous success and a powerful reminder of what’s possible when community and generosity come together,” said Susannah Kipke, Director of the NRA Office of Advancement. “Fundraising plays a critical role in supporting the Second Amendment by investing in education, safety, and the long term sustainability of the shooting sports. By bringing people together around these shared values, we help ensure that future generations can responsibly participate in and appreciate this important part of our heritage. We are especially grateful to our premier sponsor, Henry Repeating Arms, and contributing sponsor, Taurus, as well as all who joined us with such enthusiasm and support for the future of the shooting sports.”
The 2026 National Friends of NRA Event was a resounding success, raising significant funds and awareness for the NRA Freedom Action Foundation and the future of shooting sports. Thanks to the generosity of attendees, sponsors, and volunteers, the event made a meaningful and lasting impact.
As the evening came to a close, guests left inspired and energized, knowing their contributions will help provide essential resources, training, and educational opportunities nationwide.
Thank you to our sponsors who made it all possible. Henry Repeating Arms was the Premier Sponsor, Taurus was the Contributing Sponsor, and GunBroker and OtterText were Supporting Sponsors.
We invite you to join us next year at the National Friends of NRA Event during the NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits in Atlanta, Georgia, April 22 to 25, 2027. We look forward to seeing you there.
