A local nonprofit to help children with special needs held a target shooting fundraiser last week, raising tens of thousands of dollars for the organization.

Carousel Ranch held its 9th annual “How the West Was Won” Shoot last Friday, May 19 at Moore N’ Moore Sporting Clays. It was the most successful event to date, raising over $30,000, according to organizers.

“This annual event is truly a one-of-a-kind day of fun and fundraising,” said Carousel Ranch officials in a statement. “It is a day for everyone – with shooters ranging from those with experience, to men and women who have never even held a gun.”

The event ranged from serious competition to shooting from an actual saddle, off of the back of a large “rocking horse.” Teams competed for trophies, titles and prizes awarded during lunch, catered by Wolf Creek Restaurant & Brewing Company.

Shooters rotated through 13 stations, similar to how golfers would go from hole to hole. To increase their odds, shooters donated a little extra to purchase “mulligans”, which gave them a shooting towel donated by Benelli and 10 “do-over” shots along the way, said organizers.

This year’s top three teams were Wesley Thomas (reigning champions), Sharpe Interiors and William’s Homes. Other businesses/teams included: Arrow Tools, Design Masonry, Holliday Rock, HUB, Lundgren Management, Millenium Corporate Solutions, Mission Valley Bank, Penta Building Group, Princess Cruises, Rebar Engineering, Santa Clarita Concrete, The Redmond Bunch, Triangle Enterprises and White Cap.

The unique event was created by board members Eric Stroh and Wayne Crawford, whose ideas and hard work made it all possible.

Event officials noted that since its creation nine years ago, Stroh has been the “heart” behind the event, and it is his efforts that make it a success.