What is The Heartland Defender Council?

     The Heartland Defender Council (HDC) is a 501c non-profit organization comprised of six members of the Ohio Heartland Defenders (OHD).  The sole reason for its existence is to act as the fundraising arm for the OHD.  Through donations and monthly raffles posted on this website, the council operates to raise money for supporting OHD meetings and events.  Donations and raffles are open to the general public, not strictly OHD members.
     The previous group we were in barred us from raising funds to pay for our events. It is one of the main reasons we left our former group and started our own.    Every penny spent was directly out of a member’s pocket.  Our biggest events, the state FTXs, would cost upwards of $900.00 depending on the ​events planned. Even the smallest events

have associated costs.  It is no secret that our membership exploded in 2017 and the number of events increased.  The attendance at these events increased exponentially.  It became no longer fair to throw the financial burden of the whole group onto the few leaders organizing their own events.
     We could pass around a hat at each event.  But we don’t want ANY member to feel like they have to pay to attend one of our extravaganzas or to be an active member of this group.  It is in this spirit that the business council (HDC) was born.  Initials donations were asked for simply to raise funds to pay the government for our charter, for the ability to hold the raffles, and eventually open our own company store.  Our mission is to fully self-fund the Ohio Heartland Defenders.  Every penny raised goes right back into supporting OHD. No salaries are paid; no profit is made.  If we become wildly successful we may even start a member assistance fund for members in need.  That is way down the line folks.  Right now we are in our infancy, taking baby steps.  With your continued support we will get there though. 
     As a 501c non-profit organization it is important to let every member know that HDC financial records and council by-laws are available to its members, upon request.  The officers of the Heartland Defender Council are:

Michael Cosper-Council President
Jacob Upperman-Council Commissioner
Shaylee Galliher-Council Treasurer
Ryne Rich-Administrative Assistant
Jeremy Myers-Council VP Media
Dolly Huff-Council VP Business Affairs
​Mike Ehman-Council Security
    
Please feel free to contact any of your council members directly with any questions concerning council matters
                                                                                                  Sincerely,
                                                                                                  Tim Billnitzer, VP Business Affairs