LEE DENNIS
One thinks of a philanthropist as someone famous who gives of his money for a good cause. When one thinks of a skeet philanthropist, in Zone 7, the name Lee Dennis comes to the top. A philanthropist has many definitions; “generosity, kindhearted contributor, donor, patron, sponsor and public-spiritedness” are just a few. Lee fits all of those definitions. Benefiting skeet in Zone 7, nationally and in his home state of California, this “Thank You” to Lee is too short to mention all the accomplishments and benefits Lee so freely gives of his time and skeet philanthropy.
Lee started his skeet career in March of 1974 and has shot over 186 thousand targets which is the second highest to date in California. Lee is a life member of many clubs and national organizations including Miramar, Tucson, Stockton, NRA, NSSA and California. Lee has served as both President and Treasurer of the California Skeet Association and Secretary/Treasurer of Zone 7 since 1997. Lee has held many club directorships, officer positions, and acted as chief referees at various shoots and shoot chairmanships. Lee served as a national director from California from 1994 to 2001. Lee will always be remembered for his first 100 straight shot at Miramar in 1987. During each of the four rounds when shooting high six, he would loose his right contact lens. He went on to post the 100 but became event runner-up in the shoot-off. Lee has shot numerous 100s including the mini-world in 2002 and has been in the top 10 for the total number of targets shot in one year many times.
Years ago there were many computer programs being developed to run skeet shoots. Not liking any of these, Lee developed his own. His program has run Junior Worlds, U. S. Opens, Zone 7s California and many other shoots throughout Zone 7 since 1992. When Lee makes a commitment, he keeps it. Usually the first one there and the last one to leave when working a shoot, Lee’s dedication to skeet is without question.
When a shooter sees Lee at a shoot they know he is working hard to provide the shooter with a good shooting experience. Unknown to many, behind the scenes, one may see Lee’s dedication and support of skeet, but probably has no idea that Lee Dennis is one of the reasons it happened. Our national headquarters and shooting facilities have benefited greatly from Lee’s generosity. Lee is a major sponsor of the Hall of Fame building, donated a rocking chair that sits in front and is one of the hard working promoters of the building for additional funds to complete construction. Lee has donated two skeet fields and is part sponsor of a third. Lee also donated 18 computer monitors to NSSA for their use. During the world shoot, since 1997, Lee has sponsored the Lucky Number and other fun shoot-offs.
Zone 7 California, and many clubs and shoots have also benefited from Lee’s love of skeet. Lee has sponsored shoots, sponsored events, made countless donations in perpetual trophies, plaques, streamlining procedures for skeet organizations and even has worked a couple of sporting clay shoots. The hand-held radios and the audio equipment at many shoots is donated and set up by Lee.
For dedication, generosity, sportsmanship and for helping to keep skeet alive and well for all skeet shooters, both past and present, Lee Dennis is awarded a place in Zone 7 Hall of Fame.