Vista Outdoor Inc. announced that the company’s employees and partners donated more than $146,000 for the Veterans Community Project (VCP) during the company’s recent Hunt/Shoot sales conference. VCP, a 501(c)(3) Missouri nonprofit corporation, strives to eliminate homelessness in the military veteran community.
“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.”
The funds were raised during a silent/live auction at Vista Outdoor’s annual sales conference, held in Overland Park, KS. The headquarters for the company’s Outdoor Products segment, also in Overland Park, houses well-known consumer and military/law enforcement brands such as Bushnell, BLACKHAWK!, Hoppe’s, Champion, Butler Creek and Uncle Mike’s.
Founded by Kansas City veterans, VCP creates communities of “tiny homes” and offers onsite services to provide housing stability and address the underlying causes of veteran homelessness.
“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.”
Vista Outdoor leadership presented the donation check of $146,702.25 to the VCP team after the final bids were tallied.
“This was an incredible night for everyone involved,” said Metz. “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.”
