October 2024 Message from President Borkon

From the Firing Line, with President Michael Borkon

Keeping the faith with our original organizational charter

At our July board meeting, we had what I considered then to be a landmark discussion. It was interesting that during a single meeting, our discussion ranged from the the original Mill Creek Rifle Club charter of nearly 67 years ago, to the discussion and eventual vote to approve the creation of a charitable foundation for the benefit of the club and youth shooting into the future. I would wager that most members don't realize this is actually one of the very principles upon which this club was founded.

That original chartering document, signed and dated December 2, 1957, stated these specific objects and purposes to be transacted and carried on in the new club's interest:

1. To promote, encourage and educate its members and the general public in the principles of safety in the use of firearms, particularly long range sporting rifles;
2. To encourage a better understanding among its members and the public as to the proper use of hunting and fishing equipment;
3. To promote, support and encourage laws for the protection and increase of forests, fish and game life in the State of Kansas and the United States;
4. To promote good fellowship among its members and all persons interested in the careful use of firearms and to extend acquaintanceship by means of social gatherings, discussions, lectures and pictures and other exhibits;
5. To provide facilities for the loading, firing and other testing of firearms;
6. To affiliate itself with other organizations having kindred purposes, both in the State of Kansas and elsewhere, and in particular with The National Rifle Association; and in general,
7. To engage in any causes or objects similar to the above-mentioned in order to promote the purposes herein expressed and to acquire, own, hold, lease, mortgage and improve real estate and personal property for the carrying out of the aforesaid purposes.

I think it is too easy sometimes to take for granted the deep heritage of this fine organization. The currently enrolled members of this club range in age from 94 years old to 21 years old--ironically enough, sharing a birthday within a week of one another. That means (assuming our youth member enjoys as long a life as our senior member), that when these two members are on the same range at the same time, a potential era stretching from 1930 to almost the 22nd century intersects in those two individuals. That is a long, and sobering, tradition to be part of.

I consider it a priviledge to be able to play a small part in helping protect that heritage. I am unspeakably delighted to report that our first benefit auction in support of the new Mill Creek Rifle Club Shooting Sports and Education Charitable Foundation, supported by two very large donations of firearms, ammunition, and components from the collections of members Bruce Kelly and Sandy Sandgren, raised more than $60,000 to help underwrite this effort--another sobering figure, considering the original Mill Creek Rifle Club charter stated the club would start with a total capital investment of $500! Formation of this new organization has allowed us to accept and put to use these funds which would have been difficult, if not impossible, without the new structure. 

Stay tuned, as the Mill Creek board and the board of the new charitable foundation develops sensible guidelines and recommendations to invest these precious funds into new avenues to support the original stated mission of this world-class organization, and thank you to everyone who has contributed their time, treasure, and talents so far. 

Michael Borkon
Mill Creek Rifle Club President