Taking aim for a brighter future

Co-op family rallies to raise $73,365 for global electrification at “Shoot for the Nations”

When members of Oklahoma’s electric cooperative family gather, the results are always powerful. This time, the impact stretched far beyond state lines.

The 2025 Shoot for the Nations sporting clays fundraiser, hosted by the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives and the Oklahoma Energy Trails Foundation, brought together co-op employees, volunteers and supporters from across Oklahoma for a day of friendly competition and shared purpose. The event raised $73,365 to support ongoing electrification projects bringing reliable power and opportunity to communities in need around the United States and the world.

Among the day’s many highlights was an act of generosity that embodied the co-op spirit of service.

Brad Martin, director of member relations, public relations and economic development at Cookson Hills Electric Cooperative, was the lucky winner of a raffle prize, a pair of Henry Golden Boy action rifles donated by Davis H. Elliot. Instead of keeping both, Brad made a split-second decision to give one back. He donated the second rifle back to the Oklahoma Energy Trails Foundation, where it was auctioned off to raise even more funds for the cause.

“Brad’s gesture captured exactly what this event is about,” Nicki Fuller, OAEC general manager and CEO, says.  “When one of us gives back, the ripple effect reaches communities that have never had electricity before. That’s the cooperative difference in action.”

In addition to the raffle, the day’s festivities included spirited competition across three shooting courses and a flurry shoot. News 9 Meteorologist Lacey Swope joined the event to present awards to the top performers.

Among the winners were teams and individuals representing Cimarron, CKenergy, Northfork, TCEC, Northeast Oklahoma, Ozarks and Canadian Valley electric cooperatives, as well as high school FFA and 4-H shooting sports teams. Their participation showcased the next generation of Oklahomans learning the values of teamwork, safety and service.

From sponsors and volunteers to participants and photographers, every contribution helped make this year’s event a success. Together, Oklahoma’s electric cooperatives are not only powering homes and businesses. They’re helping power hope for communities around the globe.