NRA Group Responds To Call To End New Hyde Park Fundraiser

NEW HYDE PARK, NY — After a Democratic state senator called for a New Hyde Park venue to rescind plans to host a National Rifle Association fundraiser, one of the founders of a local NRA committee says they expect the event will proceed as planned and hope it will see historic turnout.

The fundraiser is planned Sept. 19 at The Inn in New Hyde Park, according to a flyer from the Nassau County Friends of NRA. The event is meant to celebrate a legacy of shooting sports traditions, and will feature dinner, raffles and auctions. Attendees could win NRA guns, gear, decor and collectibles.

Among the prizes this year: the 2019 gun of the year set, a Sig Sauer P210 American Standard 9 mm pistol, decked out with a Friends of NRA decal. Other prizes include a Kimber Micro 9 mm with NRA logo, Henry single shot brass .45-70 with a logo, and Mossberg 500 Pump-Action 12-gauge shotgun combo.

State Sen. Jim Gaughran, who represents the 5th District, said he once again asked The Inn near Jericho Turnpike and South 3rd Street to reconsider hosting the event. Gaughran did the same last year, but was told his request had come too late for them cancel. Gaughran's district includes Huntington, Oyster Bay, parts of Melville and Hicksville, but does not extend to New Hyde Park.

Laurence Dittmer, one of the founding members of the inaugural NRA committee and former member of the Nassau County Friends of NRA, responded to Gaughran's remarks, telling Patch in an email Thursday that last year's event was nearly filled to capacity, with nearly 600 people attending. The event only drew a few protestors outside, he said.

"I and my fellow NRA members and fellow supporters of the 2nd Amendment are looking forward to yet another record-breaking evening," said Dittmer, who is also a firearms instructor.

He added: "Once again, we will come together to exercise our constitutionally-affirmed right to peaceably assemble; enjoy a good meal and support a sacred facet of America."

A single dinner ticket costs $65, with a table for 10 running $600. A Charlton Heston table for 10 costs $2,000.

Sen. Gaughran had said the nation was in the midst of a gun violence epidemic. He accused the NRA of ignoring pain and suffering caused by gun violence.

"This is profoundly disturbing and it is my sincere hope that you reconsider," he wrote in a letter to the venue.

The Inn, located near Jericho Turnpike and South 3rd Street, is a popular venue for weddings and corporate events. Guests are treated to elegant ballrooms, a private outdoor patio, crystal chandeliers and more.