Phoenix, AZ – July 30, 2007
Talk to anyone involved with Hunt of a Lifetime and they will love to chat about their many success stories. These stories would not be possible without the help of the public, however – and the public’s help is needed constantly to keep this great program going!

HOAL provides hunting and fishing opportunities for children with life-threatening and terminal illnesses. The Arizona Chapter has been in existence since the year 2000, thanks to the efforts of Janie Henson and Gary Keeny, who were the first Arizona Ambassadors to HOAL. As a national organization, HOAL has helped over 200 kids achieve their dream hunts. Since legislation was passed in Arizona in 2005 to make tag transfers possible, HOAL AZ has sent 14 youngsters on 16 hunts. They are currently in the coordination phase for 6 more hunts this year!

The most direct way to help this program is to donate your big game tag. Perhaps you are injured and can’t hunt; maybe something came up and you won’t be able to participate in the hunt that you drew; even better – you just want to do something generous for a young person that has been dealt a poor hand. Arizona Ambassador Terry Petko said this, in telling of the three year journey to get the legislation created and passed: “How many times do you get an opportunity in life to do something that will benefit so many and know that when you pass away, your efforts will still be fulfilling dreams. I feel pretty blessed to have been led down this path.”

When a youngster is accepted into the program, they receive a total hunt package including equipment, transportation (air and car), a guide/outfitter, lodging, meat processing and delivery, as well as taxidermy and delivery of their mount at no cost. They are allowed to bring one parent along on their hunt. There are many ways people can help, besides donating tags. Individuals or businesses can assist in providing hotel accommodations. The donation of frequent flier miles is always appreciated. Embroidery and silk-screening services for hats and shirts make a terrific donation, as do printing services for brochures and business cards. Sporting goods gift certificates help in providing equipment to the kids. Guide and Outfitter services always help ensure a top-notch experience for these kids. Of course, cash is always needed and appreciated.

Petko reminds everyone that there is still a lot of work to be done. “So far we have been able to grant hunts here in Arizona to every child that requested to come here. We still need all of the donations we can get as I am stepping up the recruiting efforts with the goal of knowing that every child that qualifies for our program, and wants to go on a hunting or fishing trip here in Arizona – gets that chance.”

HOAL wants people to know that there are still some hunts available for qualifying children, for the fall/winter 2007 season. To learn what opportunities are available, please contact them as soon as possible.

"Hunt Of A Lifetime" is a nonprofit organization with a mission to grant hunting & fishing adventures and dreams for children age 21 and under, who have been diagnosed with life threatening illnesses. To learn more, please visit HOAL Arizona Website or contact Terry Petko at the phone number listed above.