Greater Detroit Conservation Gala draws more than 300 people

The ballroom of the Royal Park Hotel was buzzing April 6, as an enthusiastic crowd gathered to support Delta Waterfowl at the Greater Detroit Conservation Gala in Rochester, Michigan.

The first-of-its-kind Delta event featured several prize packages and chances to win, highlighted by the Decoy Holders Gun Raffle, where the lucky winner was awarded a Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 shotgun. Raffles and drawings for guns and outdoor gear were interspersed throughout the evening’s agenda, keeping energy high in the room.

John Devney, vice president of U.S. policy, gave a brief overview of Delta’s mission and current priorities after dinner. All in attendance had a chance to bid on a large slate of premium silent auction items, as well as raise a hand in the live auction to claim several amazing outdoor trips. Argentina dove hunts, an African plains game safari, chartered muskie fishing, and of course, waterfowl hunts to destinations such as Mississippi, Maryland, Alberta and Ontario were auctioned.

“What a great event!” said William Kozyra, chief executive officer and president of TI Automotive in Auburn Hills, Michigan. “Everyone had a good time tonight.”

Kozyra, a major donor for the gala, was presented with a lifetime membership to Delta Waterfowl. Frank Rewold, owner of the Royal Park Hotel, was summoned to the stage and also presented with a lifetime membership.

“We could not have held such an amazing event without the generous support of Frank Rewold and Bill Kozyra,” said Scott McGuigan, development director for Delta Waterfowl. “I want to thank them, and all of our sponsors, for making the conservation gala happen. And thank you to all of the people who attended. We appreciate it!”

Sponsors included Royal Park Hotel, St. Lawrence Outfitters, The Bradley Hunt Club, Alberta’s Fall Flight, Tallahatchi Hunts, Capt. Joey Jobes, Look-n-Back Charters, Crooked Hook Charters, Webbed Connection, Hunter’s Creek Club, River Plate Outfitters, Greenia’s Outdoor & Power Sport, Beaver Lake Hunt Club, Schoongezicht Safaris, Cascade Fur Salon, Lucido Jewelry, Frank’s Great Outdoors, Target Sporting Goods, Riverview Plantation and The Huntsman Hunt Club. Special thanks to corporate sponsors Hevi-Shot, TI Automotive, Cabela’s, Colliers International, Daggs Custom Calls and GK World Championship Calls.