Annual Burt Mercier Memorial Claybird Classic held in Mackinaw

MACKINAW, Ill. (WMBD) — An event honoring a central Illinois summer camp advocate was held in Mackinaw Thursday.

At Oak Ridge Sportsman's Club, the 20th annual Burt Mercier Claybird Classic was held which including events such as skeet shooting, a dinner and an auction.

Burt Mercier advocated for the Timber Pointe Outdoor Center for more than 30 years, and created camper scholarships, or camperships, through his endowment fund.

His grandson, Jeff Mercier, speaks about the legacy his grandfather leaves.

"Burt Mercier was my grandfather," he said. "Avid hunter, fisherman, was always involved in the camp through the Rotary Organization at Timber Pointe. So 20 years ago, working with Easter Seals and Timber Point, [we] put together this shoot."

Jeff Mercier shared what he hopes for the event's future.

"I'd love to see it grow," he said. "We could probably we could take on double the number of shooters that we have today. Just those that have the passion for outdoors and trying something new."

All of the money raised at the event go towards helping lower the cost of specialized outdoor programs.