To raise funds for the Downtown Rescue Mission, the “Shoot for Shelter” skeet shoot will be held at Limestone Hunting Preserve in Ardmore, Ala. on Oct. 23. (CONTRIBUTED)

ARDMORE – On Oct. 23, one of the most unique choices for a fundraiser will benefit the Downtown Rescue Mission in Huntsville.

The inaugural “Shoot for Shelter” skeet shoot will be held at Limestone Hunting Preserve at 27393 Old Schoolhouse Road in Ardmore, Ala. The event will start at 8 a.m.

“A clay or skeet shoot tournament is similar to golf, only with guns instead of clubs,” Tonia Beverly said. Beverly is director of events and business partnerships for the mission. “Like golf, the shooters have a score card and keep score as they go.”

“We live in the South. We, our neighbors, family and friends hunt and fish and enjoy gun sports,” Beverly said. “The Downtown Rescue Mission is using this popular Southern sporting pastime as a means to disseminate information about, and raise funds for, the hurting and homeless in our community.”

A four-shooter team goes from station to station to attempt to hit clay targets released from various locations. Each station presents a different challenge.

“The team with the best score wins the tournament. Points are achieved based on a missed target, partial hit or direct hit,” Beverly said.

The tournament includes numerous shooters from Madison.

Station sponsors are Asbury United Methodist Church and Madison Funeral Home. Bentley Automotive is the presenting “Bullseye” sponsor. Jerry Damson Honda is “Sharp Shooter” sponsor.

“Many companies are looking for ways to give back or ‘plug into’ the community with corporate sponsorships, teambuilding opportunities and ways to get involved,” Beverly said. “Downtown Rescue Mission offers a plethora of corporate opportunities.”

Event proceeds will directly assist the Downtown Rescue Mission to achieve its goals. A nonprofit organization, the mission serves homeless and hurting men, women and children living throughout North Alabama and South Tennessee.

“For more than 40 years, we have saved numerous lives and have had a profound impact on thousands of others by providing Christ-filled, recovery programs and compassionate services to those in desperate need,” Beverly said.

For more information, call Beverly at 256-713-4343, email to Tonia@downtownrescuemission.org or visit downtownrescuemission.org.