Mike Fisher Clay Shoot Raises Funds for Local Ministries In Need

Whether it was in the public eye or not, Mike Fisher has always focused on helping others.
Never one to seek out the spotlight, the former Predators captain was known to show up unannounced to some of his favorite spots around town to volunteer his time or make a donation.
When he hung his skates up for good in the summer of 2018, Fisher knew he would no longer be making appearances on the ice, but he wasn't about to abandon those in Middle Tennessee who still needed the assistance.

So, he teamed up with the Nashville Predators Foundation empowered by SmileDirectClub and combined something else he has a passion for with a way to raise funds and awareness for those who matter most to him.
The first installment of the CATCHIN' DEERS Mike Fisher Celebrity Clay Shoot presented by Cooper Steel became an instant success in the lineup of events for the Foundation less than a year ago, and on Tuesday morning at the Nashville Gun Club, the second annual edition of the tournament yielded impressive results once more.
More than 125 people combined to raise $80,000 in funds that will be donated to Fisher's favorite Nashville institutions Room In The Inn, Cottage Cove, Nashville Inner City Ministry and Rocketown.
And even in the midst of a pandemic, Fisher and the Foundation found a way to make a much-needed difference.
"We didn't know what it was going to look like in these times, but a few months ago we just started planning…and we're so glad we could get it in," Fisher said. "A lot of key businesses stepped up to chip in, and a lot of people sacrificed their time and money to make it happen… And most importantly, we're raising a lot of money for some ministries, which is awesome, and especially at a time like this. They're struggling for support because businesses are struggling, so to be able to still do this is huge for the ministries."

Fisher is an avid outdoorsman and has always been as comfortable with a rifle in his hands as a hockey stick. The idea of a clay shoot was an easy one to explore, and Fisher and his friends felt right at home on the 100-bird course.
"I love to golf, but there's tons of golf tournaments and it's nice to change it up," Fisher said. "Who doesn't like to shoot guns? It's competitive too, and you can compete against guys in your team and other teams, there's group winners, individual winners and it's just a lot of fun."
Those victors - and everyone else - were well fed during the day thanks to breakfast provided by McDonald's, lunch from Puckett's and dessert from Christie Cookie. The Lee Company team finished with the top score on the day - 394 points out of a possible 500 - while Nicole Hetrick (90/100 points) and Luke Brown (93/100 points) earned top honors in the female and male categories, respectively.
Jack Daniel's was also on hand to provide a whiskey sampling once the competition was complete, and participants also had a chance to bid on unique auction items, including autographed Preds memorabilia.
Fisher, his wife Carrie Underwood, musicians Shay Mooney of Dan + Shay, and Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn, as well as a number of former professional athletes including Jay Cutler, Matt and Tim Hasselbeck, Chris Mason, Hal Gill, J-P Dumont and Ryan Smyth were just some of the celebrities who also joined in on the fun.
The backing from all involved is meaningful for Fisher, and he's humbled by the outpouring of support from those who took the time to give back at a time like this.
Just as it was when he played, the relationship between Fisher and the Preds Foundation is stronger than ever. Thanks to that desire to make a difference, the clay shoot figures to have a third outing - and then so many more after that - in the years to come.
"I can't say enough good things about the Preds Foundation, and to be able to still do events like this is fun," Fisher said. "And the most fun is being able to give the money away at the end. To put this event together, meet new friends, have a good time and make an impact, that's what it's all about."
The CATCHIN' DEERS Mike Fisher Celebrity Clay Shoot presented by Cooper Steel silent auction will be live online through Friday evening, and fans can text "PREDS" to 76278 for a chance to bid on a number of items.