CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — The Habersham County United Way hosted its ninth annual Fall Clay Shoot Saturday at the Arrendale property in northern Clarkesville, raising thousands of dollars to support local programs and community services.
Dozens of shooters gathered for the morning event, which has become one of United Way’s largest annual fundraisers. Volunteers, community members, and sponsors from across Habersham County took part, including Scouts from Troop 109, who assisted with setup, cleanup, and refreshments.
United Way Campaign Chair Jennifer Burton, representing Fieldale Farms/Springer Mountain Farms — the event’s presenting sponsor — said the clay shoots play a major role in meeting the organization’s annual fundraising goal.
“Between our spring and fall clay shoots, we’ve raised approximately $70,000 each year, which has a massive impact on our annual fundraising goal of $600,000,” Burton said. “I love being at this event because it gives me the opportunity to be around our agency representatives, the community members who support our mission at Habersham United Way, and to be a part of something that just feels good,” she said.
Funds raised support local nonprofits that provide, among other things, food, shelter, education, and other types of assistance to residents in need. Habersham United Way supports nearly two dozen nonprofits, including the Boys and Girls Club of Lanier, Circle of Hope, the Habersham Senior Center, and Volunteers for Literacy of Habersham County.
Participants of all ages took part in Saturday’s fundraiser, including 12-year-old Andy Williamson, one of the youngest shooters. Volunteers kept the course running smoothly, while Fieldale Farms provided lunch for participants and guests.
The Fall Clay Shoot is one of two annual shoots hosted by United Way, with the spring event scheduled for April 25, 2026, and the next fall shoot set for November 7, 2026. That event will mark the tenth anniversary of the clay shoots in Habersham County.
It’s a tradition Burton is happy to see continue. “Everyone is always happy at the shoots, and the togetherness we have there as one community is priceless to me. I look forward to many more years of successful shoot planning.”
