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24th Annual Mesa Banquet
A Night to Remember: On April 5th, the Arizona Elk Society proudly hosted its 24th Annual State Banquet at the Mesa Convention Center—an evening that was nothing short of extraordinary. Months of meticulous planning culminated in a night full of energy, celebration, and purpose. As always, the highlight wasn’t just the incredible food, raffles, and camaraderie—it was the powerful sense of community and shared passion for Arizona’s wildlife and wild places.
Preparation for this event begins months in advance, and the commitment of our dedicated volunteers is truly the engine behind its success. As this year’s volunteer coordinator, I can’t express how proud I was to witness everything come together so seamlessly. We had an incredible crew—every volunteer knew exactly where to be, what to do, and how to deliver an amazing experience for our guests. Their passion and professionalism elevated the entire event, and it would simply not be possible without them.
What continues to amaze me year after year is that every dollar raised stays right here in Arizona. Through the Arizona Elk Society, that money is immediately put to work, making a visible difference in our state. These funds support four cornerstone initiatives:
• Water for Wildlife– Ensuring that Arizona’s wild animals have access to sustainable water sources.
• Heroes Rising Outdoors – Helping our veterans heal through outdoor experiences and camaraderie.
• Youth Education – Teaching the next generation about conservation, respect for wildlife, and outdoor skills.
• Habitat Projects – Restoring and maintaining critical wildlife habitats across the state.
If you couldn’t join us in Mesa, don’t worry—you’ve still got two more chances to be part of the action this summer! Our Show Low Banquet is happening June 7th, followed by the Flagstaff Banquet on July 12th. These events are just as exciting and filled with opportunities to win amazing prizes, connect with fellow supporters, and make a real impact. Watch the website store to get your tickets or table as soon as they go on sale.
Want to get more involved? We’re always looking for donated items and unique experiences for our raffles and auctions. Our office team works tirelessly to connect with businesses, but we know our members are our best network. If you have a connection to a business or know of a great item or experience we should offer, please reach out! Whether it’s a weekend getaway, outdoor gear, or something totally unique—our members love seeing new and exciting auction items, and your input makes a difference.
And now, the countdown begins for an even more spectacular celebration—our 25th Annual State Banquet in Mesa is already in the works! This milestone event will be unlike any other. We’re planning something truly special to honor a quarter-century of conservation, community, and commitment. Mark your calendars—you will not want to miss what’s sure to be the event of the year.
Thank you again to everyone who helped make this year’s banquet a huge success. We can’t wait to see you at the next one!
