The MidwayUSA Foundation, in collaboration with Faxon Firearms and key industry sponsors, is proud to announce the overwhelming success of the 2025 ARAK Academy, an exclusive event that raised a record-breaking $243,750 in support of youth shooting sports programs across the country.

Hosted at Faxon Firearms’ headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, the ARAK Academy offered participants a hands-on, immersive experience unlike any other. Donors not only toured the manufacturing facility but also assembled their own custom ARAK-21® XRS rifles, gaining a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship and innovation behind American-made firearms.

“From the beginning, Faxon Firearms has been about more than just making great firearms,” said Bob Faxon, President & Founder of Faxon Firearms. “We’re here to protect and grow America’s shooting sports culture and that starts with supporting the youth who will carry it forward. The ARAK Academy allows us to empower the community that empowers them while expanding one of our key focuses at Faxon – The Fellowship of Firearms.”

Funds raised during the ARAK Academy were directly contributed to endowments held by the MidwayUSA Foundation, where they will support youth shooting teams with long-term, sustainable funding. This remarkable $243,750 will help provide essential equipment, training, travel, and competition opportunities for thousands of youth athletes. The event also included training from industry experts and shooting instruction from Avery “TOTES” Woods, reinforcing the Foundation’s mission to grow and sustain shooting sports through education, safety, and opportunity.