Soggy Bottom Lodge opens its gate for a special fundraiser benefiting Kidz Outdoors (KO) on May 13 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the lodge just south of Linden on Hwy. 43.

Charging a $20 donation per car for entry into the venue, Soggy Bottom’s fundraiser will feature attractions such as skeet shooting, kayaking, buggy rides, inflatables and fishing as well as retriever and sniper demonstrations, a silent auction and several independent vendors. Live musical acts will also be on hand to entertain those in attendance.

“I think it’s very important that we join together for this fundraiser,” said Brandon Smith of Soggy Bottom. “Anything we can do to help the youth, help special needs kids, and to raise awareness about what Kidz Outdoors does and what they are about is useful.”

KO takes special needs or terminally ill children on hunting and fishing trips and other outdoor events. These trips provide opportunities to children who may otherwise never have the chance to experience a hunt of any type. KO is also a charitable organization with a goal of raising money to donate to hospitals that focus on childhood cancer and disease research.

Last year was the first year of the fundraiser for KO and Soggy Bottom raised $20,000 for the organization and aims to make even more this year.

Outside sponsors have already donated to the event to help make this a day for everyone to enjoy both kids and adults alike.

“It will be a great day to get your kids to the outdoors,” Smith said. “A lot of people ask to tour Soggy Bottom and this would be the perfect time to visit and enjoy the things we would normally charge to do. This is also a chance to support a great organization and cause in Kidz Outdoors.”