CHESHIRE, Mass. — Some 200 or so people lined up on Saturday night for a taste of moose meatloaf, deer roast, salmon and turkey pot pie. 

 

The annual game dinner is a major fundraiser for the Adams Outdoorsmen for Youth, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year supporting the area's youth. 

 

"It's been fantastic through the 50 years," said President Wayne Tinney. "A lot of good workers, lot of good people, as you can tell, good crowd, yeah, and that's where all our money goes — we raise it and give it away."

 

The group was the brainchild of John Carpenter, who was presented with plaque for his "visionary guidance, exceptional leadership and unconditional commitment" as a founding member.  

 

Carpenter joked that it all started in a bar, having a drink with co-founder Paul Comeau. 

 

"We do it all for the for kids," he said. "We've had so many people do so much, to be able to do everything we do. We do scholarships, we donate, we help people. ...

 

"I can't believe in 50 years. But thank you very much all."