The Benelli USA Invitational combined sporting-clay competition and an online auction at The Point at Pintail to support Freedom Hunters, bringing industry members together for veterans’ outdoor programs.
The 12th Annual Benelli USA Invitational, held Sept. 26 at The Point at Pintail in Queenstown, Maryland, attracted 200 participants and raised $115,000 for Freedom Hunters.
Since the Invitational began, Benelli USA has raised more than $1,215,000 for Freedom Hunters through events and auctions.
Event results and top shooters were announced, and a broad list of sponsors supported the Invitational, enabling fundraising and programming.
# Event in brief The 12th Annual Benelli USA Invitational took place Sept. 26 at The Point at Pintail in Queenstown (Accokeek), Maryland. The one-day shooting event blended competitive sporting-clays with a companion online auction and fundraising activities to support Freedom Hunters, a nonprofit that provides outdoor adventures for veterans and their families.
# Money raised and impact Benelli USA reports that this year's Invitational raised $115,000 for Freedom Hunters. That contribution pushed the Invitational's lifetime fundraising total above $1,215,000.
Freedom Hunters was founded in 2006 and runs outdoor programs across 46 U.S. states and international destinations including Namibia, Canada, and Mexico. By the end of 2025 the organization had coordinated 98 outdoor adventures and served more than 16,792 veterans and family members since its founding. Volunteers had contributed nearly 53,851 hours of service, valued at over $1,946,175.
# Participation and competition The 2026 Invitational fielded 200 participants. Benelli published the top team and individual results:
Tom DeBolt, CEO of Benelli USA, described the Invitational as a day that brings the industry, customers, and friends together to support veterans and families.
# How funds were raised Fundraising combined on‑site event activity with a companion online auction. Participants, sponsors, and supporters contributed through tournament entry, donations, and auction bids. Benelli credited sponsors, donors, and partners for making the event possible and for enabling the contribution to Freedom Hunters.
# Sponsors and partners
# What this means for veterans The money raised at the Invitational goes to fund Freedom Hunters' programming: guided hunts and outdoor experiences designed for veterans and their families. Freedom Hunters' track record through 2025 shows multi‑state and international programming and a substantial volunteer contribution, giving a sense of scale for how donor dollars are applied.
# Takeaway Invitational functions as a fundraising and community event within the shooting and outdoor industries. This year's event drew 200 competitors, produced $115,000 for Freedom Hunters, and added to a multi‑year total exceeding $1.2 million that supports veteran outdoor programs.
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