Phil Burrus, president of the Hunting Country Association, presents checks to Margot Carter, development director of Thermal Belt Outreach. The association recently raised $300 and donated bags of food to the local support organization. (Submitted photo)

The Hunting Country Association held its annual picnic Sunday, Sept. 30, at Foothills Equestrian Nature Center.

Around 85 members and guests attended the event, which featured food catered by Renee Duvall.

The regular goal of the association is to support Thermal Belt Outreach through the collection of donations of food and cash at the picnic. This year, checks were presented to Margot Carter, development director of Thermal Belt Outreach, for $300, along with a number of bags of food.

The Hunting Country Association has supported Thermal Belt Outreach for a number of years, and is proud to do so, representatives said. The organization plans to continue this mission.

The Hunting Country Association was formed in 1984 by concerned residents who wanted to keep and maintain the beauty of Hunting Country in Tryon. The HCA supports Feta Trails and the trail system.

– Submitted by Philip H. Burrus