The Outdoors Without Limits (OWL) Awareness Banquet is set for Thursday night, Sept. 2 at Cattleman Park.

OWL is about education and opportunities.

The nationwide organization’s mission is to educate those with disabilities about activities in the outdoors and offer them the opportunity to participate.

“Through our local chapter system we are able to create opportunities and provide participation in the great outdoors for those with disabilities,” said Terry McPherson, a member of the OWL Pike County Chapter.

The Awareness Banquet is sponsored by the OWL Pike County Chapter as a way of raising awareness about OWL, the programs offered locally and the many volunteer opportunities available.

Tickets will be available at the door Thursday night and anyone who has a desire to help others is encouraged to attend, McPherson said.

Tickets are $30 for individuals and $40 for couples and include the meal and membership in the OWL national organization.

Youth tickets are $5 and $10.

Corporate tables are available for $250.

The doors will open at 5:30 p.m. at Cattleman Park and dinner will be served around 6 p.m.

“Before and during the meal, people will be able to bid on the silent auction items,” McPherson said. “After the meal, Kirk Thomas, OWL founder and CEO, will give a brief overview of OWL and talk about its mission. He will also talk about the success of our chapter’s deer hunts and the fishing tournament this summer.”

The OWL Pike County Chapter will host its fourth deer hunt in December and participation opportunities will be outlined.

“We need land to hunt, guides for the hunters and cooks and bottle washers,” McPherson said.

“We have a volunteer opportunity for anyone who wants to be a part of this event. It’s a heartwarming experience just to be around these hunters and to hear their stories. They are some of the finest people you’ll ever be around and they appreciate the chance to just get out in the great outdoors, something that others, too often, take for granted.”

The Awareness Banquet will conclude with a spirited live auction and there will be some great items on the block, McPherson said.

“We’ve got guns of different types and of all ranges, tree stands, pop out blinds, a Mojo dove, knives, a full deer mount, granite cutting blocks and artwork and craft items with outdoor themes. It will be a good auction and a lot of fun.”

The proceeds from the OWL Awareness Banquet will support the OWL organization and the OWL Pike County Chapter’s Great Adventure Deer Hunt in December.

More than 100 handicapped hunters will participate.

Last year’s hunt was the largest deer hunt ever for handicapped individuals, with 118 participating.