2010 TAAP Event Draws Record Participation
(International Foundation, May, 2010)

Armed and ready, NRECA's Katalina Mayorga shares a laugh with 2010 TAAP organizers.

It was my second year attending Take Aim at Progress (TAAP), the popular annual charity clay-shooting event organized by cooperatives in Georgia to benefit the NRECA International Foundation. Like last year the thermometer was in the high 80s (a nice break for me coming from a record-setting snowy winter in D.C.), and once again, my aim left plenty to be desired. Despite my suspect shooting skills though, I was excited to return to this wonderful event, where proceeds are currently earmarked for rural electrification efforts in Guatemala.

The 8th Annual TAAP, held April 23 at Cherokee Rose Sporting Resort in Griffin, Georgia, boasted 43 teams, the most since its inception in 2003. Spirits were high and the good-natured (though competitive) atmosphere was palpable. As always, heats were held at several different shooting stations throughout the day. Event coordinator Chris Stephens, from Coweta-Fayette EMC, describes it as somewhat like golf: “Teams go from station to station shooting clay targets trying to hit as many as possible to accumulate the best score.”

TAAP Beneficiaries
Since its founding, TAAP and the Georgia cooperatives and sponsors that support it have underwritten extraordinary work in Costa Rica and Guatemala. Proceeds have helped send several Georgia co-op volunteers to the region to electrify communities, schools and small businesses and run more than 17 miles of distribution line benefitting some 800 families. The NRECA International Foundation featured some of this work in a documentary about the impact Georgia cooperatives have had on the community of Ixcan, Guatemala (video).

Understanding and Goodwill
I always enjoy trying my (unsteady) hand at target shooting. But my favorite part of the annual TAAP is getting the chance to talk to volunteers who have gone abroad, as well as those planning overseas volunteer trips.

2010 TAAP Winners: Cobb-EMC-Pataula District

2010 TAAP Winners
This year Cobb EMC-Pataula District took the trophy home, and Georgia co-ops were able to raise more than $25,000 in donations for their efforts in Guatemala. I again left Georgia proud of the work of our individual members and cooperatives that have sacrificed their time to help us further our mission of electrifying the world one village at a time.

Sponsors, Co-ops Are the Lifeblood Of the Annual Take Aim at Progress Event

Chris Stephens, manager of engineering at Coweta-Fayette EMC and event coordinator of the 2010 Take Aim at Progress (TAAP) clay-shooting charity tournament, marvels at the record turnout and strong sponsor support for this year's event, held April 23 at Cherokee Rose Sporting Resort in Griffin, Georgia.

"Considering the state of the economy," he said, "it's pretty amazing."

The 2010 TAAP drew 43 teams totaling 258 participants. And despite tight financial times, the event retained all but one of its sponsors from 2009.

"Having vendor sponsors is key to the success of this fundraiser," Stephens said. "Our margins are tight, and our net proceeds determine the amount of volunteers and materials we're able to send to help electrify impoverished areas in Central America. The vendor sponsors make all the difference in what we're able to do." 

Stephens also singled out the participating Georgia cooperatives for praise.

"The vendor sponsors help the bottom line, but it's the participation and support of the Georgia electric cooperatives that makes the event," he said.

Stephens said his goal is to have at least one participant from Georgia's 42 electric cooperatives involved in TAAP.

"Over the past eight years, we've had participation from about 25 Georgia EMCs, plus all members of our G&T," he said. "So we're getting close."