The Big Hat Club is an honor group within AMBUCS. In order to qualify, a member must 
recruit three new members in a 12-month period. The club exists to take membership, fundraising and fun to a whole new level. Have you recruited your third member within a year? Join us!
The Big Hat Club was started by Past National President Charles E. Mitchell in 1939. The concept was to create incentive to bringing in new AMBUCS members. It was proposed that individuals who recruited three members in a 12-month period would get a t-shirt, and the individual who brought in the most new members would receive the “Rabbit Trophy”! At a meeting on July 2, it was decided to award a ten-gallon hat instead of a t-shirt, and that recipients would form a Big Hat Club.
These special, fun-loving members are the backbone of AMBUCS and provide leadership in recruiting new members and supporting the AMBUCS mission.
2023 Big Hat Guidelines of Responsibilities and Procedures
2022-2023 National Big Hat Club Fundraiser
The Annual Big Hat Club Fundraiser plays an important part in the success of our organization. But the Big Hat Club is also about spreading the AMBUCS mission through FUN in a BIG way. This year’s raffle is no exception. One lucky winner will get to choose from FIVE once-in-a-lifetime adventures. There’s something for everyone, from hunting and fishing to relaxing on a beach.
It’s also for a good cause! The raffle helps support all the amazing work National AMBUCS does, so in that sense every ticket is a winning ticket. 🎟️
Adventure Awaits!
The trip will be good for one year from date of the drawing, is transferable, and must be booked in advance.
How It Works
This year you can buy your raffle tickets online, or contact Wendy Bond at (580) 304-1191 or wbond@amcurgentcare.com. Tickets are $20, or 6 for $100. The winner of the raffle will be drawn on Saturday, August 5 at the 2023 AMBUCS National Conference in Louisville, KY. The winner does not need to be present to win.
Tickets purchased online will be filled out and submitted by National Big Hat Club officers, and will not be mailed. You will receive an email confirmation for your order.
All amenities and services are subject to availability and may change without notice.
Destination Details
Nashville
Get a true Nashville experience with this 4 day, 4 night trip for 4 people. Included is a beer flight upon arrival, reservation for a bowling alley at Pinewood Social (or another experience of equal value and time), a 75-minute tour on The Nashville Tractor, complimentary welcome basket, free parking, and an experienced concierge. A private two bedroom / two bath condo is your home base for the trip. It’s a quick walk to everything Nashville offers, and a mere two blocks away you will find yourself in the middle of Broadway, which holds world renowned bars, honky-tonks, restaurants, and other night life. Don’t feel like battling the crowds? No worries, hang out on site. The property provides a full kitchen, balcony, wifi, TV, and all the comforts of home. Every aspect of this trip was planned with you in mind. Airfare not included; $1,500 spending money is included.
Jackson Hole
Experience four days and four nights of extraordinary wilderness for two people. Included is accommodation at a Bed & Breakfast 6 miles from Jackson, Wyoming. Gourmet breakfast included each morning in addition to a snack bar open throughout the day. Enjoy the expansive decks and secluded cabin charm just a few miles away from the entrance of Grand Teton National Park. Also included with your trip is a 10-mile dinner rafting experience, where you will float down the scenic Snake River and enjoy a western meal upon completion. Transportation to and from the drop-off points are included. The highlight of the trip is a full day, professionally guided, photo tour through Grand Teton National Park. You’ll have the opportunity to view and photograph some of the most iconic locations in the West, as well as a vast array of wildlife ranging from birds to bears, while under the tutelage of an experienced photography professional. This trip is set up to bring you the best of Jackson Hole and what the area has to offer. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore Jackson and other towns spread throughout the valley, or simply relax and take in the surrounding nature. This trip is sure to check the boxes for anyone who wants a peaceful experience while enjoying one of the most scenic areas found within the United States.
Vero Beach, Florida
Relax on warm sand and play in the sparkling blue waters of Vero Beach. With a stay at Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa, you’ll be a 3 minute walk from Sexton Beach. This trip for two adults, up to 5 nights, with a total allowed expenses of up to $5,000, including airfare, is sure to leave you refreshed. Relax at the full-service spa; where you can enjoy massages, body treatments, and facials. You can snorkel on the shipwreck of the S.S. Breconshire, lounge by the pool or on the beach, savor fine dining, and get out to explore the intimate town of Vero Beach featuring boutique shopping, craft breweries and more. Get away from it all with an idyllic beach practically at your doorstep. Airfare not included.
St. Martin
European flair combined with Caribbean roots means there are endless historical and cultural areas to explore at St. Martin. Relax on the beach or poolside at the 5 star All-Inclusive Secrets Resort & Spa for up to 5 nights, for 2 adults with a total allowed expenses of up to $5,000, including airfare. With the largest infinity pool in the Western Caribbean, you’ll find your favorite spot for a drink at the swim up bar. Sit back and enjoy this elegant resort with 6 restaurants and countless bars to choose from. Spend the day beachside with a book, hit the surf, and check out the many dining and shopping options that dot the palm-lined areas. Stay on the French side that is known for its secluded beaches, outdoor markets and authentic French cuisine which rivals that of France. The Dutch side offers festive nightlife, casinos and duty-free shopping.
Argentina
Argentina cast and blast trip for four: Based out of our La Forestal Lodge, your trip will feature two full days of dove hunting and two full days of golden dorado fishing for four people. Sportsmen and women can expect to cycle through countless boxes of shells per hunt and fight a variety of powerful freshwater giants. You and your travel partners will be met at the Sante Fe airport where you’ll enjoy a VIP reception complete with drinks and baggage handlers after your trip. You’ll then be escorted to a private van to the lodge before you depart for two full days of dove hunting and 2 full days of dorado fishing. This trip will include full accommodations, English-speaking guides, all ground transportation to and from the hunting and fishing areas, bird boys and gun cleaning services. From the moment you step off the plane in Argentina until your re-board for the U.S., our full-service courtesy will be at your disposal. Airfare, shells, licenses, gun permits, gun rental and tips are not included.
Good luck! And thanks for all you do!
Wendy Bond
President, National Big Hat Club
2021-2022 Big Hat Raffle Winner
Scott Flanigan – Springfield, IL
National Big Hat Club Officers
Invitation Form to Join Big Hat