On October 8, 2025, North Jersey Friends of NRA lit up The Grove in Cedar Grove, New Jersey, with an electrifying night that brought together more than 500 die-hard Second Amendment supporters for what’s quickly become the biggest Friends of NRA dinner on the East Coast—and maybe the nation.
NRA Executive Vice President and CEO Doug Hamlin was the headline act, delivering an inspiring message that hit home with the crowd.
Hamlin saluted Friends of NRA as a grassroots powerhouse, with everyday Americans rallying to defend their Second Amendment freedoms and fuel the future of shooting sports through safety education, range support and youth programs.
“Being part of this event in person was unforgettable,” Hamlin said. “Friends of NRA isn’t just an event, it’s a movement. I want to give a shoutout to the volunteers making it all happen, especially Anthony Colandro, John M. Occhipinti and John J. Occhipinti.”
Anthony Colandro, NRA Director and founder of the “Gun for Hire” radio show and podcast, was on hand too, keeping the energy high. Known for his smart insights, Colandro champions the right to bear arms with a no-nonsense approach, also sharing wisdom in his book “Crime Proof: Think Like a Criminal and Beat Them at Their Own Game.”
Despite New Jersey’s stringent regulations—which prohibit firearm displays at events and restrict the use of firearms, air guns and knives in raffles—the North Jersey Friends of NRA committee successfully navigated these challenges to host a well-attended and highly effective fundraiser. The event featured a robust selection of prizes, auctions and giveaways, underscoring the commitment of the local gun rights community.
The 2025 North Jersey Friends of NRA banquet raised approximately $130,000.
Behind the scenes, it’s the tireless work of Friends of NRA volunteers that keeps the engine running, managing everything from sponsorships and donations to event logistics and setup.
Friends of NRA isn’t just about fundraising; it’s about building the backbone of the shooting sports scene nationwide. Through grassroots action and community engagement, the program strengthens local ranges, empowers youth shooting initiatives and promotes responsible firearm ownership and education.
The 2025 North Jersey Friends of NRA banquet was a slam dunk, sending a clear message: The Garden State is a force to be reckoned with in the battle for our Second Amendment rights. And as the night wrapped, one thing was certain: this movement is only getting louder.
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