August 2024 Message from President Borkon

From the Firing Line, with President Michael Borkon

As we look to the next generation of Mill Creek Rifle Club

I am writing to you as your new president from Camp Perry, Ohio, home of the national pistol and rifle championships. I have a lot of information to share with you, but I will start with a shout out to our KC Steel Raiders, coached by Mill Creek Rifle Club’s Jennifer and Kyle Gibson.

Thirteen kids who practice weekly at Mill Creek Rifle club participated as representatives of the KC Steel Raiders in the scholastic action Shooting Program championship in Marengo, Ohio, and brought home a gold, silver and bronze victory. Click here to read more: Congratulations KC Steel Raiders Winners!.  

My second order of business is to extend my heart-felt thank you to Michael McGovern, Mill Creek Rifle Club president for the last two years. During his term, Mill Creek Rifle Club was able to add another 100-yard multipurpose range, upgrade our maintenance equipment, and continue to improve safety at the range.  The club is on solid financial footing with a full membership. Because my appointment to fill the president's slot by the board vacated my previous position as vice president, I want to welcome John Morgan as your new vice president, who was appointed to the position by a vote of the board of directors on July 15. I would also like to welcome new Treasurer Brad Thomas, who was appointed to the position by a vote of the board on May 20 to replace the late Bill Kinsey.

Finally, I am excited to report Mill Creek Rifle Club is the beneficiary of two very large donations of firearms, ammunition, and components from the collections of members Bruce Kelly and Sandy Sandgren. These two collections represent a vast collection of fine firearms, equipment, and supplies, and your board of directors has spent a considerable amount of time discussing not only how to handle these gifts but also, moving forward, how we can use the occasion of these two donations to create an opportunity for more estate and personal giving, to maintain and grow the future of this club that means so much to so many of you.  

Several of the key issues discussed were the fact that Mill Creek Rifle Club is a not-for-profit social club, a 501(c)(7) in Internal Revenue Service terms, and therefore faces limitations imposed by the IRS on the amount of non-member income it may receive each year.  Second, it would be best to be able to provide all donors with a charitable tax-deduction.  And third, after reviewing Mill Creek Rifle Club's original articles of incorporation, it was clear that the founders had an intent to promote the shooting sports and education, particularly to our children and other juniors.  

With legal consultation, the board unanimously supported creation of a charitable foundation, separate from but still connected to Mill Creek Rifle Club.  As I write this note the specific details including registration with the state of Kansas and application to the IRS are underway.  I am happy to share details with everyone as they become available.  In the end, the club will benefit greatly from the incredibly generous donation made by two long-term members, Bruce Kelly and Sandy Sandgren, and the stage is set for future gifts of items and monetary donations to benefit youth shooting and Mill Creek Rifle Club. I hope you will plan to join us on September 4, at Ron Stricker's Auction house in Gardner, where we will hold a special Inaugural Benefit Auction of these items. 

Michael Borkon
Mill Creek Rifle Club President