Trying to raise funds during a recession is like trying to find a needle in a six-foot haystack.

But the Friends of Diabetes sixth annual Dorchester Clay Shoot fared well last Saturday, raising nearly $50,000.

The event also showcased the new Dorchester Hunting Lodge, which opened in December and features a world-class clay shoot venue.

The event, tied to the annual Kiss-A-Pig campaign raising money for the American Diabetes Association, raised a whopping $80,000 last year.

Team Liberty candidate Jason Rogers said he knew the economy would play a role in this year’s shoot, but feels confident about this year’s outcome.

"We are still on track and we are going to be the top team," he said. "We may not reach our monetary goal, but we will be the top team. I’m still confident about that."

Last year, Team Liberty upset the team representing Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools by raising $160,000.

This year Rogers said they might fall short of that mark. But he said his team plans to raise more funds than their competitors and plan to involve the children in their efforts.

"Chris Anderson (principal of Liberty Elementary) issued a challenge to all the elementary school principals to raise a minimum of $2,500," Roger said. "We will do a variety of events. I think you may see a principal wallow in the mud. A couple are going to kiss Lulu the pig if they reach their mark. All this will be once the CRCTs are behind them and we will have the schools compete all the way until the last day of school."