TIPA hosts skeet shoot PAC fundraiser

In what has become a recurring event for the Texas International Produce Association, the organization recently held its annual Pull-for-PAC Skeet Shoot fundraiser. Critical to supporting the endeavors of the association’s activities in Washington, DC, and Austin,TX, this event has continued to grow every year in recognition among the members. This year, TIPA was able to host a sold-out shoot with every team spot filled.

Twenty-three teams registered and the more than 100 people were treated to a great BBQ dinner and drinks to kick off the night. Participants were in high spirits.  Even though a cold front with heavy rain swept through the region earlier in the day, the rain subsided and made way for a beautiful evening, with great food, friends and gun powder in the air.

 “Our annual Skeet Shoot PAC-fundraiser was the brainchild of Mark Santos of Santos International and Scott Fletcher of Allen Lund, two of our event sponsors,” said Dante Galeazzi, president and CEO of TIPA. “Now in our fifth year, this event has become more than just about the PAC. It has become a great opportunity for the members to get together, have fun, and enjoy much needed comradery as we all recover from the impacts of the pandemic.”  

“Anyone who’s been in the industry for a few years understands the importance government plays for fresh produce. Whether it is international produce shipments crossing the U.S.-MX border, or it is labor policies governing the domestic workforce, there are issues at the local, state and federal levels that the association must be engaged and active on. In order to do that, we rely on events like last night’s Pull for PAC Skeet Shoot, and judging from the great turnout — our members understand that important as well,” said Mark Santos, partner at Santos International US Custom Brokers and chair of the TIPA TexPAC committee. “Yesterday was a great event, with a phenomenal turn-out. Over 20 teams of shooters, more than 100 people, all having a great time. It felt like our best PAC event yet. We even had representatives from our local Congressional and regional offices, such as candidates for the Justice of the Peace and Judgeship.”

TIPA said this would not have been possible without the support of sponsors, especially title sponsors Santos International and Allen Lund. The association also recognized members of the TIPA Tex-PAC committee — Mary Velasquez of Coast Tropical; Tony Martinez of Primo Trading Services; April Flowers of Lone Star Citrus Growers; Mark Santos of Santos International; and Scott Fletcher of Allen Lund — as well as the cooks and servers from Grow Farms Texas and Allen Lund Co., led by pit-master Tommy Wilkins.