The Veterans Community Project (VCP), a non-profit organization that strives to eliminate homelessness among veterans, has received more than $146,000 in donations from Vista Outdoor employees and their partners. The money was raised during the company’s recent Hunt/Shoot sales conference.
“All of us at VCP were blown away by the kindness and compassion of the Vista Outdoor team,” said Chris Stout, chief executive officer at VCP. “This was the largest single-night fundraising event in our organization’s history, and we’re eager to use this donation to help more veterans overcome the challenges they’re facing.”
“We are so proud of our employees’ and partners’ generosity in supporting this important cause,” said Vista Outdoor Chief Executive Officer Chris Metz. “Vista Outdoor and its brands have a legacy of supporting the brave men and women who serve our nation, so this partnership with VCP was a natural fit. Our company strives to embody a culture of responsibility, and this was a fantastic way to give back to one of the communities where we live and work.”
Veteran-founded VCP, “…is on a mission to eliminate Veteran homelessness by providing transitional-housing and enabling access to exceptional 360-degree service solutions,” according to its website. Its first efforts focused in the Kansas City area—where it was organized—to create a working blueprint for success as similar programs launched across the United States. The approach, which harnesses employs tiny homes, has already expanded to St. Louis, MO, and Nashville, TN.
The funds were raised during a silent/live auction held in Overland Park, KS, where the headquarters for the company’s Outdoor Products segment—including Bushnell, Blackhawk, Hoppe's, Champion, Butler Creek and Uncle Mike’s—is located. The donation check of $146,702.25 was presented to the VCP team after final bids were tallied.
“This was an incredible night for everyone involved,” Metz said. “We appreciate those who graciously donated the products for the auction, and we look forward to seeing the good work VCP can do with this donation.”
