Thirty years ago, MidwayUSA owners Larry and Brenda Potterfield had a brilliant idea that started with a handful of change that has multiplied over time to over $21 million. The Potterfield family is more than the creators of a retail giant and American success story; they've donated their time, money and influence to help keep our treasured freedoms alive. That's the genesis of the NRA Round-Up, a special program designed to raise funds for the National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA).
The way it works is simple and effective. When you're making a purchase from the enormous and comprehensive MidwayUSA catalog of everything outdoors, you're asked if you would like to round up to the next higher dollar. "Our Customers overwhelmingly said yes,” reports Larry Potterfield. Those few pennies multiplied by millions of purchases, multiplied by 30 years, have turned into millions.
The Potterfields have been trailblazers in several remarkable ways. Under the Potterfields' leadership, MidwayUSA has grown from a small gun shop to a 21-acre campus in Columbia, Missouri; it has become, without question, one of the leading internet retailers of "Just About Everything© for Shooting, Hunting and the Outdoors." That is remarkable enough on its own, but the Potterfields have always insisted on giving back to the shooting community in ways that help guarantee the future of the shooting sports and the Second Amendment.
“January 2, 1992 we started asking our Customers at MidwayUSA if they would 'Round-Up' their order to the next higher dollar and let us donate that money to the NRA-ILA," said Potterfield. “Each year, NRA-ILA spends 4-5% of the previous year’s starting balance to fight anti-gun legislation. The next time you place an order with MidwayUSA, please round up. With your support, we can change the future.”
To celebrate the 21-million milestone, Larry and Brenda Potterfield, along with two of their grandchildren, presented a ceremonial check to NRA-ILA Executive Director Jason Ouimet, and NRA Chief Executive Officer Wayne LaPierre, representing the total amount of money that has been donated by MidwayUSA Customers since 1992. The check presentation was held at the NRA-ILA Leadership Forum during the 151st NRA Annual Meeting & Exhibits in Houston, TX.
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