From September 1 through September 30, the chapter is offering special ticket prices for the banquet, which will be held November 7 at 6 p.m. at the American Legion building on American Legion Road.

A single ticket will cost $50 while a couples ticket will cost $80. A sponsor ticket will cost $250 while a sponsor table will cost $500.

Across the board that represents a savings of $180, said District Chairman Kevin Hawkins.

One of the oldest DU chapters in the state, its fundraisers and others have helped preserve 25,504 acres of land for wetlands and wildlife habitat, “Which helps the ecosystem and keeps things in their natural state,” Hawkins said.

One of the local efforts is the Caledonia State Prison project, which turned 77 acres of farmland into wetlands to serve as a resting place for migrating ducks.

The September ticket prices, Hawkins said, is a way to make it easier for people to buy tickets and a way to thank longtime sponsors for their help. “It's harder times the way the economy is. The people of the Roanoke Valley have supported us. It's a way to give back to them. It's a way to give new people an opportunity to come to the banquet.”

While all details have not been finalized, one of the new features will be a banner displaying 30 guns. Attendees will have an opportunity to buy tickets in what is being called the great gun giveaway. Instead of just being given a select gun, the winners will be able to choose what gun they want from those pictured on the banner.

More details on the banquet will be released at a later date, Hawkins said, but he sees the special promotion as a way to say thanks to the chapter's many supporters. “We always try to sell between 200 to 250 tickets each year. We see some of the same people year after year. We think this a way to thank them.”

For tickets or more information call Hawkins at 252-532-1051; Matt Glenn, area chairman, at 252-578-0026; Henry Ford at 252-578-9544 or Caylin Burrell at 252-676-6955.