Last summer, Painters District Council 30 (PDC 30) and the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance joined forces to co-sponsor the first-ever Brotherhood Unity Event Sweepstakes. PDC 30 members who entered the sweepstakes had a chance to win an all-expenses-paid upland bird hunt at Coon Creek Hunt Club in Garden Prairie, Illinois, in addition to gear from Carhartt, Buck Knives, Zippo and other well-known companies.
Five sweepstakes winners were selected randomly in December 2014 and headed to Coon Creek Hunt Club for the Brotherhood Unity Event on January 3, 2015. Those winners included Gary Beier (Local 157), Jeff Tallitsch (Local 448), Mandy Ganieany (Local 157), Mark Hall (Local 607) and Trevor Glos (Local 607). With more than 300 acres of top-notch cover to hunt, the winners got to experience some fast-flying bird action amidst a mixed bag of weather—a little snow, some freezing rain and then just rain as it warmed up. Despite the damp conditions, it was a day filled with laughter and friendship.
PDC 30 winners and event partners at Coon Creek Hunt Club
“I had a wonderful time on this hunt. It was great to be able to combine my love for the outdoors and my union. Memories I will keep forever,” said Mandy Ganieany, an 11-year member of PDC 30. “When I think of brotherhood and unity, I think of my union. We are a family. We look out for each other and support our community.”
The lucky winners received additional prizes from Bank of Labor, the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) and Union Insurance Group. Ganieany earned a USA logo Buck knife for getting the first bird of the day.
“These are the kinds of events we pride ourselves on hosting for our membership,” said Ryan Anderson, Secretary-Treasurer of PDC 30. “It’s important that our members are introduced to other organizations that share our common interests and goals. Not only are we helping further the brand awareness of the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance, we are also rewarding our members with new and exciting opportunities and new ways to celebrate their hard work. We look forward to continuing this partnership and expanding this event in the years to come.”
