The Central Kansas Community Foundation—Butler County, an affiliate of Central Kansas Community Foundation based in Newton, has announced the establishment of the Kansas Governor’s One-Shot Turkey Hunt endowment.

In 1987, former Gov. Mike Hayden and Marv McCown, former executive vice president of the El Dorado Chamer of Commerce, founded the Governor’s One-Shot Turkey Hunt with the idea of inviting people in different professions to participate as celebrities hunting wild turkeys in central Kansas.

By inviting these people to El Dorado, Hayden and McCown hoped to make them aware of the business opportunities available in the area as well as realize the great outdoor resources Kansas has to offer. At the same time the hunt would keep the wild turkey and conservation in the forefront.

The event has enjoyed great success and growth since its inception, bringing hunters from all over the world.

“The Kansas Governor’s One-Shot Turkey Hunt began with a handful of hunters and dedicated volunteers,” said Janet Post, board executive director of the organization. “Today the event has more than 80 hunters, 600 volunteers, Kansas youth, national youth, and Wounded Warrior programs, as well as the Willis Scholarship program.”

“We feel it is time to give back to the community. The Central Kansas Community Foundation gives us a place to invest for the future of our event and honor the dedication of all who have participated in the past 27 years,” she said.

The annual distribution will be directed back to the organization to support key elements of the two-day hunting event.

For more information about becoming a volunteer or sponsor for the event, contact Post at (316) 321-3825.