MOREHEAD, Ky. — DropTine 3D Archery will host a memorial benefit Saturday, Oct. 24, honoring fallen Kentucky State Trooper Hayden Phillips and raising funds for his wife and children.
The family-friendly event will begin with sign-in for the archery shoot from 8 to 10 a.m. at the DropTine 3D Archery clubhouse, located at 900 Hunter Lane in Morehead. The benefit will continue throughout the day and will include an archery shoot, pond fishing, food, children's activities, a silent auction, raffles, and opportunities to make additional donations.
“We feel that community support means everything during a tragedy," representatives of DropTine 3D said. "We wanted to come together to support Hayden’s family and let them know they are supported and not alone."
The archery shoot will feature twenty 3D targets throughout the woods. Compound bows, recurve bows and crossbows are welcome, with different colored stakes ranging from 15 to 45 yards. Shooters may choose the distance they are most comfortable shooting.
The cost to participate is $25 for adults and $10 for youth. Children under 10 may participate for free. Additional donations are welcome and appreciated. Broadheads are not permitted.
Those who do not participate in the archery shoot are still encouraged to attend and support the benefit in other ways. A bounce house and other activities will be available for children, while attendees can also enjoy pond fishing, food catered by Pop’s Southern Style BBQ, auction items, and fellowship with members of the community.
“You don’t have to shoot archery to come out and support the family," representative said. "You can also just come out, visit with everyone, check out the range, share some stories, and enjoy the day."
Club members will assist with parking throughout the day, and attendees are encouraged to carpool when possible due to limited parking. The benefit will be held rain or shine.
All proceeds from the event will go directly to Phillips’ wife and children. Proceeds will be hand-delivered to the family by a family friend who is also a Kentucky State Trooper, organizers said.
The event is sponsored by Bypass Pawn, with additional support from community members and local businesses.
“Morehead is a small, caring community, and we have so much respect for all of our first responders and their families. Although Hayden lost his life while serving in Bowling Green, we want his family to feel the love and support from Eastern Kentucky as well. Hayden made the ultimate sacrifice, and this is our way of coming together to show his family that they are supported and not alone,” representatives of DropTine 3D said.
Raffles and auction items will be available throughout the day, and donations may be made by cash or Venmo.
Questions about the benefit may be directed to the DropTine 3D Archery Facebook page or Bypass Pawn in Morehead. Attendees may also contact Jamie Coldiron at 606-207-9771, Chris Rowley at 606-776-7712 or Travis Holbrook at 606-776-7952.
For those looking for a way to support the family of a fallen first responder, organizers say simply showing up can make a difference.
###
Th