Clay shoot to raise funds for AJ Swope Plaza
AMARILLO, Texas (KVII) — Most people knew AJ Swope for two things: his passion for wind energy management, and his love for music.
We at ABC 7 knew AJ as our friend and co-worker. He began working at KVII after graduating from West Texas A&M University where he served as a Reporter/Anchor for Pronews 7, and eventually became the Assignment Editor.
He died in a crash north of Amarillo in January of 2013 and his legacy lives on. Friends and family members have been actively fundraising in honor of him. Their effort is to create AJ Swope Plaza, a privately funded project that upon completion will be donated to the City of Amarillo for area residents to utilize as a place for remembrance, reflection and celebration.
The Plaza will feature Amarillo's First Responders Memorial honoring those men and women who have given their lives in the line of duty, the Texas Panhandle Walk of Fame recognizing the many notable individuals from across the region who have made distinguished contributions in their field, and a public amphitheater with tiered seating for 300+ people for concerts and other events.
AJ Swope Plaza will be centrally located in downtown Amarillo on SE 8th Street between Lincoln and Johnson Streets, adjacent to the City of Amarillo's new ballpark on land owned by the City.
A clay shoot fundraiser is scheduled for April of this year.
Organizers invite you to a day full of shooting and an evening full of fun Saturday, April 18th, at River Breaks Ranch.
The Clay Shoot begins with a 1 p.m. check-in followed by a safety meeting at 1:30 p.m. Shooting starts promptly at 2 p.m.
That evening, the festivities start with a 5 p.m. happy hour that includes horse racing and other games, followed by dinner at 7 p.m. A live auction, raffle drawing for a limited edition, hand-engraved shotgun and a concert by Zac Wilkerson will round out the evening’s activities.
Proceeds from the Shotgun Salute Sporting Clay Shoot will benefit the Texas Panhandle First Responders Memorial.
For more information, contact Susie Self at (806) 679.3134 or selfsusie@gmail.com.
For more on the AJ Swope Plaza:
Plaza coming to downtown Amarillo in memory of AJ Swope
Randall County Sheriff's Office to host fundraiser to benefit AJ Swope Plaza
