The Hudson Folkerts Memorial Foundation will do its part to raise money for Tomball ISD student scholarships as it hosts the second annual Sporting Clays Tournament and Dance next week.
The two-day fundraiser includes a sporting clays tournament June 14 at 28777 Double Culvert Road in Hempstead. Players will have 100 flying discs to shoot to earn points. In addition to the tournament, participants can enjoy barbecue and drinks provided by HFMF.
On June 15, the second part of the event will be a dance from 8 p.m.–midnight at the Tomball VFW, featuring live music from local artist the Shay Domann Band. Guests will also have a chance to bid on a variety of prizes, such as a custom rifle, in charity auctions.
HFMF was founded in memory of Hudson Folkerts, who died nearly two years ago when he was a high school sophomore. SInce then, the Folkerts family has worked to give back to students who share the same passion for agriculture and raising animals.
"We started the foundation to keep Hudson's memory alive and to help other students like him," said Bruce Burns, HFMF vice president and Folkerts' uncle. "Raising animals is expensive and it's important for us to try to better other students' lives."
Proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward college scholarships for Tomball ISD graduates who are pursuing a degree in agriculture, and to provide food and shelter for animals raised by students in the Tomball FFA.
Burns said the organization has given more than $50,000 in scholarships to TISD students since 2011 and is giving $12,000 to sponsor three steers this year.
"It's a very personal foundation for all of Hudson's family," Burns said. "It's been 22 months and we still can't believe he's gone, but it was important to us to turn a tragedy into something positive, which has helped our healing process."
Cost to enter the sporting clays tournament is $150 for individuals and $500 for a team of four. Admission to the dance is $10–$15.