Courtesy photo Gary Howell displays his prize won during last year’s silent auction.

CHANDLER — Banquet/ auctions offer social events for “the hook ‘n bullet crowd,” and sportsmen generously congregate to raise money for causes ranging from habitat protection to youth hunter education. Thursday, July 15, offers a great excuse for east valley anglers, hunters and outdoorsmen and women to socialize over drinks and a pig roast — bid on high-end rifles, optics and gear — and help raise money for a great cause at the Outdoor Experience 4 All annual banquet in Chandler at Ashley Manor.

Tickets are $60 each, and money raised will help kids facing terminal illnesses have a chance to camp, fish, hunt and enjoy the outdoors with OE4A founder Eddy Corona and other volunteers.

This Valley-based charity runs a lean operation — Ashley Manor is donating the venue space in order to help OE4A keep costs low, with as much money as possible going towards adventures for kids.

“Last year our banquet helped raise $13,000 to send kids camping, fishing and hunting in some of the most beautiful mountains and forests of Arizona,” said OE4A co-founder Eddy Corona, of Ahwatukee. “This year we have an even bigger evening planned —a great meal, a chance to have a night out with friends and to bid on donation auction items including the drawing for the Arizona Big Game Super Raffle, Arizona Deer Association’s Great American Deer Raffle, hunting gear and optics donated by some of the biggest names in the industry: Swarovski, Zeiss, Outdoorsman’s, Western Hunter and Wilderness Athlete.”

Tickets are $60 each including dinner and an open bar from 5:30 to 9 p.m., and available in advance via or call 480-529-8340. Ashley Manor is located at 1380 South Price Road in Chandler. Both the Great American Deer Raffle and the Arizona Big Game Super Raffle will be offered at the event, along with many other donated items ranging from fully-outfitted hunting and fishing trips to gear, clothing, jewelry, optics and more. Donors are welcome, even if you can’t attend the banquet Corona urges readers to contact him if they have items to donate to the evening’s auction, or simply to donate to OE4A.

“And, you know, the best part is that people can come meet Sadie and other unforgettable kids,” said Corona, “and hear from them what an impact these experiences have on their lives, and about their dreams for the future.”

WHAT: Outdoor Experience 4 All Banquet

WHERE: Ashley Manor, 1380 South Price Road in Chandler.

WHEN: Thursday, July 15, starting at 5:30 p.m.

HOW MUCH: $60 tickets include dinner and open bar

FMI: call Eddy Corona at 480-529-8340, or check out OE4A.org