(Left to right) DU Regional Director Brett Bainter, Nicholas Summers, Jason Turner, Jim Rowan, Palmer Yergey, Leslie Bartlett, Area Chairman Chris Edmonson, Cameron Gordon, Jerry Hanbery, Steve Conenna, and Jack Conenna.

Over the past several years, the Orlando Ducks Unlimited chapter has steadily raised the bar for fundraising in the Sunshine State. In early 2020, the chapter hosted a sold-out banquet that culminated in record-breaking profits. For the first time in chapter history, Orlando DU successfully raised more than $100,000. Their banquet netted nearly $111,000, which was also a new fundraising record for Florida.

The following year, the chapter found itself in the middle of the pandemic. Rather than avoid the frustration of strict regulations, the committee rallied together to provide a much-needed night of safe fun for their supporters. Although safety protocols led to reduced attendance, Orlando DU surpassed their own fundraising record.

This past February, Orlando Ducks Unlimited once again managed to increase its net fundraising dollars at its annual banquet. By securing a new, larger venue, the committee saw an opportunity to generate additional revenue. And with fresh ideas for their banquet, they raised an astounding $142,000 in a single night. For the third consecutive year, the chapter shattered its own record and set a new standard for the state of Florida.

The chapter credits its success to the hard work and dedication of its committee members, who have cultivated nine key tactics to ensure future financial growth. These include starting early, keeping the committee engaged, marketing their event through various platforms, using social media to preview auction items, collecting post-event surveys, conducting post-event meetings, keeping track of details, learning from other chapters, and maintaining a list of things to improve.

Congratulations to Orlando DU for their continuous success and improvement. We cant wait to see what your chapter has in store for 2023.