The Diamonds and Denim Day of Dreams fundraiser is returning May 29 and 30 to the Sage Valley Lodge & Gun Club, 2240 Sage Valley Drive, in Vaucluse after 2014's successful launch.
"It was an incredible event last year," said Kay Benitez, the executive director of Megiddo Dream Station. "Everybody who came loved it. We had a blast. I don't think anybody there was disappointed."
Proceeds from Diamonds and Denim will benefit Megiddo, a Graniteville nonprofit that helps unemployed and underemployed adults become better job candidates and improve their life skills.
"It's an opportunity to get out to one of the most beautiful spots in the CSRA," Benitez said. "It is absolutely stunning. It looks like you are in the mountains."
Sporting clays shooting competitions that are open to teams and individuals will be held both days from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sage Valley's 17-station course. The cost to enter is $200 per shooter.
Lunch donated by Bobby's Barbecue will be served afterward on both days.
Awards will be presented to shooters during the meal May 30.
"Last year, we had more teams from businesses participating on the first day," Benitez said. "This year, we will have teams from churches competing, as well."
Tickets for nonshooters are $85 each, and there will be activities for them to enjoy on May 30 starting at 11 a.m.
"The lodge is a great place to have pictures taken, so we are going to have three photographers," Benitez said. "People will be able to go online to get the ones that they like later. They'll also be able to play cards and eat lunch."
Both shooters and non-shooters will be able to participate in a silent auction, a live auction and a raffle that will offer sports memorabilia, art and other items May 30.
"We have a Jadeveon Clowney football jersey, a signed Carolina Panthers football and Thomas Kinkade prints," Benitez said.
Attendees also will be able to schedule and purchase trips at a travel center.
Every non-shooter will receive a gift bag and $50 worth of raffle tickets.
Each shooter will get a T-shirt.
For more information, call 803-392-7044, send an email to kay@megiddodream station.org or visit www.dreamstationevents.com.
"Sponsorship and package deals are available," Benitez said.
"Shooters should register by April 30 to ensure that they get a T-shirt in the size that they want."
Dede Biles is a general assignment reporter for the Aiken Standard and has been with the newspaper since January 2013. A native of Concord, N.C., she graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.