Families from across Southside Virginia gathered over the weekend to honor the memory of Virginia State Trooper Chad Dermyer in a series of events hosted by the Virginia Hunting Dog Alliance (VaHDA) Foundation and centered at the Reedy Creek Hunt Club in Freeman.
The day included an auction of donated items, a barbecue lunch and a field trial where dog hunters could show their skill. Even a large storm in the days prior to the event couldn’t dampen the spirits of attendees as they enjoyed lunch and bid on a variety of products from more than 30 local businesses.
Many of the area’s hunt clubs participated in the event and volunteered their services to making it a success.
The day concluded with a presentation of a check to the Virginia State Police Association for the VSPA Trooper Dermyer Family Fund. With all donations included, the total raised climbed to over $20,000.
“We would like to thank everyone who came out to honor Chad’s service and to help support his family,” said Kirby Burch, president of the VaHDA Foundation. “Without the generosity of those who attended and the businesses which gave items for auction, we could not have had held this important event. I would also like to thank our hosts at the Reedy Creek Hunt Club and VaHDA members from chapters across the commonwealth for all the hard work which made this possible.”
The Virginia Hunting Dog Alliance Foundation seeks to tell of the heritage of hunting with dogs in the Commonwealth of Virginia, educate Virginians about how hunting with dogs is an important conservation tool and to promote wildlife conservation.
For more information or questions, please contact Kirby Burch at info@vahda.org or (804) 794-8612.