Firearms Industry Helps New England Patriot Matt Light Take Aim to Keep Kids on Target

MAPLEVILLE, RI- The Light Foundation, a nonprofit founded in 2001 by New England Patriot Matt Light, recently announced the date for its signature fundraising event. The 2012 Matt Light Celebrity Shoot-Out will be held this September 18th, 2012, at Addieville East Farm in Mapleville, Rhode Island.

Many companies within the firearm industry step up as major sponsors for the event year-in and year-out. Ruger, a supporter of the Shoot-Out since year one, will be a silver sponsor for the fourth year in a row. Sig Sauer has also been named a silver sponsor. "The Light Foundation is a tremendous organization that continues to give back to the community by providing guidance and assistance to at-risk teens in several states," said Bud Fini, VP of Marketing for Sig Sauer. "We're honored to be associated with community leaders like Matt Light and thrilled to support the Light Foundation's efforts." In addition, CamFour will be stepping up as silver sponsor for the second year in a row.

Well-known gun manufacturers such as Remington, and Smith & Wesson will also be playing a big role in this year's Shoot-Out, for the sixth year in a row. In addition to contributing to the big fall event, S & W recently donated some Thompson Center shotguns for use at the Light Foundation's 4th annual Youth Turkey Hunt in Ohio, and Remington donated the ammunition. Both companies are pushing their own vendors to step up and support the Foundation in any way they can.

In years past, gun enthusiasts have enjoyed handgun demonstrations by some of the world's fastest shooters. Jerry Miculek, a five-time USPSA 3-Gun National Champion who is renowned as the fastest revolver shooter in the planet and who holds multiple world records in competitive shooting, has attended in the past. And in 2012, Max Michel, Jr makes his return to the Shoot-Out. Michel is a three-time World Speed Shooting Champion, five-time USPSA National Champion, and two-time US Steel National Champion, with more than one-hundred other regional and major wins.

For the Third year in a row, the event will also offer a handgun shooting contest. At the handgun range, shooters of all skill levels will compete against each other to win prizes. Representatives from Ruger, Remington, Sig Sauer, Smith & Wesson, and other participating companies will be on hand to give direction and monitor the safety procedures set in place.

The Light Foundation, which runs different programs for youth from across the country, uses the sport of shooting as a teaching tool at their Camps, and that's why Light chose to hold this type of fundraiser. Proceeds from this one-of-kind event benefit the youth-based organization's unique outdoor learning experiences, including: a character development football camp, a leadership camp held in Ohio, and several academic scholarships. Light works with at-risk teens to push them beyond their comfort zone and get them to exceed their normal efforts. The goal is to instill honesty, accountability and responsibility in these youths, and for them to become mentors to their peers. In the near future, Light hopes to add a youth shooting facility to Chenoweth Trails, his foundation's facility in Greenville, OH. In the eight years since the organization was founded, it has raised nearly $3 million to support these important programs.

In the past, the Shoot-Out has offered participants the opportunity to match their shooting skills against Light, members of the New England Patriots, and a host of local and national celebrities including Matt's former teammate Tom Brady, comedian Lenny Clarke, Olympic skier Bode Miller, Mike Fourtner of The Deadliest Catch, and Kevin Chapman of Person of Interest. And you don't have to be a crack shot to have a great time! Instructors at the Rhode Island course will teach rookies the basics of sporting clay shooting and provide all the necessary equipment.

Light says he wanted to develop a unique high-profile charity event that would raise funds and exposure for his Foundation, and his love of the outdoors naturally came into play. "We're thrilled to be going into our 8th year with this event. We are so humbled by the amount of support we have received from sponsors and donors who come out to our events every year. Their generosity means so much to me, the Foundation, and the kids who benefit from the funds we have raised. The Shoot-Out continues to grow each season, and everyone anticipates getting out on the course and having some fun," he added. "We do everything we can to make this event unique, and special for the guests, and at the end of the day, we've done something even more special for these kids."

Shooters in foursomes from all over New England and beyond will converge at Addieville to mingle with celebrities, enjoy a game-themed lunch from New England's Wild Cheff, Denny Corriveau, and dinner by renowned steakhouse The Capital Grille. Spirits will be provided by Harpoon and Three Olives, hand-rolled cigars from Rolling Stogies, lakeside fly fishing and various exhibitions for the avid outdoorsman and outdoorswoman. The festivities at the after-party will kick off with some live entertainment by Brother's McCann, which will lead into a spirited live auction that has to be experienced to be believed.

The Celebrity Shoot-Out has brought many of Light's famous friends together to support the cause. In past years, a variety of celebrities have shown up to support the cause including: current Patriots Tom Brady, Wes Welker, Dan Koppen, Nick Kaczur, Logan Mankins, Stephen Gostkowski, Gary Guyton, Julian Edelman, and Rob Gronkowski to Light's former teammates Randy Moss, Tedy Bruschi, Adam Vinatieri, Larry Izzo, Lonnie Paxton, Russ Hochstein, Joe Andruzzi, Ellis Hobbs, Adalius Thomas and Mike Vrabel, to Pro Football Hall-of-Famer Andre Tippett, and a host of others. Top chefs Ming Tsai and Michael Schlow, musicians Sully from Godsmack and Martin Sexton have also attended, and Light expects the guest list to be just as long this time around.

So is this a guys-only event? No way, says Light. "Some of the toughest shooters year-in and year-out are women- and we have a few that finish near the top every time" Many of the 250-plus shooters who register for this event have never held a shotgun beforehand; they have the opportunity to arrive early at Addieville for safety lessons and training with the professionals on site.

Addieville East Farm, founded in 1980, is located on 400 private acres in Mapleville, Rhode Island, and offers clay shooting, archery, dog training, and fishing. It's also New England's premiere pheasant hunting preserve. Each year, manager Jack O'Brien designs two 15-station courses with challenging, high-flying clay targets specifically for this event.

Since the first tournament in 2004, the Matt Light Celebrity Shoot-Out has been the main source of financial support for The Light Foundation's efforts on behalf of youth. Light hopes the funding will continue to grow, as the need for more programs also grows. "Our goal is to be a beacon for charitable organizations, athletes and youth," he adds, "to work hard, put their best foot forward, and strive to become champions in the game of life."

About the Light Foundation:
The Light Foundation was established in 2001 by 3-Time Super Bowl Champion and 3-Time Pro-Bowler Matt Light. Matt was drafted in 2000 out of Purdue University and served as the anchor for the Patriots Offensive Line. The Light Foundation strives to instill and augment the values of responsibility, accountability and hard work by providing youth with unique outdoor learning experiences that assist them in reaching their highest potential. Its goal is to lead young people down a path to becoming responsible members of their communities who are capable of passing on the torch of leadership and achievement to their friends and families. Matt Light received the third New England Patriots Ron Burton Community Service Award in 2005, and in 2008, was presented the President's Volunteer Service Award for his outstanding work in the community. Since its inception in 2001, the Light Foundation has raised nearly $3 million for various programs and initiatives. For more information, visit www.MattLightfoundation.org,

Contact:
The Goodwin Group: Margrette
Mondillo or Tara Frier, (508) 404-1745