Kids and Clays History

Glenn and Kathy Lubeznik, McDonald’s owner/operators in Northwest Indiana, shared their time and talent with the Ronald McDonald House near the University of Chicago.

In 1999, they chaired the first annual Sporting Clays Tournament Event that benefited the Chicago Ronald McDonald House. The Tournament was held at the Deer Creek Hunt Club in Three Oaks, MI, and with the support of Winchester Ammunition, the event host 137 participants and generated over $15,800.

The event was so well received that in the year 2000, companies and organizations such as Browning, Charles Daley, Pace American Trailers, Coca Cola, the NSSF and the NSCA followed Winchester’s lead and agreed to support the event as sponsors. More than 220 participants shot in the tournament that was held in September of 2000 and the Ronald McDonald House was the beneficiary of over $58,000.

Due to the increase in interest and in the number of registered participants, the 2001 event grew to a two-day tournament hosting 348 participants. The 2001 event raised over $92,000 through entry fees, local and national sponsorships, side games, a silent auction and a raffle.

Additionally, the first St. Louis Ronald McDonald House Sporting Clays Event was held that same year. It hosted 120 participants and generated over $22,000.

The success and interest in the Chicago area tournament inspired Mr. Lubeznik to share his knowledge on this fundraiser with other Ronald McDonald Houses across the country. In 2002, Sporting Clays Tournaments were held in Orlando, FL, Detroit, MI, Columbus, GA, and once again in St. Louis, MO.

Proceeds from the events benefited the Ronald McDonald Houses in each respective market. With the help of the NSCA, the National Ronald McDonald House Sporting Clays Tournament raised over $280,000 in 2002. To date, this event has generated over $867,800 and has touched the lives of hundreds of families served by these Houses nationwide.