Record-setting event brings assistance to Texas charity

During its annual Rocks, Shells & Clays Tournament, Martin Marietta’s Southwest Division continued to grow what has become an important community benefit.

During its annual Rocks, Shells & Clays Tournament, Martin Marietta’s Southwest Division continued to grow what has become an important community benefit.

Celebrating its fourth year, the annual event invited community members to participate in a game of competitive and friendly field shooting. All proceeds were donated to the United Way of Wise County, a charity located near the Dallas-Fort Worth area that aids dozens of local organizations and scores of residents.

This year, the divisional team smashed its previous record. More than 300 people participated in the June competition, and the group raised well over $224,000 for charity.

Years ago, when ideas for a charity event were first being considered, District Production Manager and event organizer Johnny Parker said the planning group—consisting of members of the region’s Production Management, Ready Mix, and Sales teams along with numerous support staff—wanted to do something different.

“When I transferred to the area in 2019, one of the objectives was to develop a community charity event similar to the Oklahoma area’s Rocks, Woods & Irons Scramble, which has been a huge success for more than 10 years,” Parker said. “The group wanted to do something besides a golf tournament and, this being Texas, the idea of a skeet shoot just took off.”

After a delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event started strong and has only grown. In 2021, the group raised $84,000. In the years since, that total has increased steadily with each year being more successful than the last.

“The first event had a few bumps, but everyone had a great time and encouraged us to continue hosting,” Parker said. “The group had selected the Wise County United Way as the event beneficiary. COVID had really hurt their finances, and they lost one of their larger fundraisers. We wanted to step in and help.”

The event lasts all day and, in keeping with Martin Marietta’s Guardian Angel safety culture, starts with a mandatory morning safety briefing. One powerful component of the event is that all the money earned goes directly to the community. This means 100% of the funds stay in Wise County and directly help residents in the area where Martin Marietta operates.

The event provides a unique day of camaraderie in an authentic Texas fashion, Parker said. “The vendors and customers really love the opportunity to spend time visiting with our people in a fun, social setting,” he said. “And the competition is extremely fierce. Everyone wants the bragging rights!”