Ranger Boats Sponsers St. Jude Fundraising Bass Fishing Tournament for 14th Year
OutdoorHub 05.10.12
It wasn’t just rain pouring down last weekend on pools four and five of the Mississippi River in Minnesota. Dollars from generous donors were also pouring in to the Dick Hiley St. Jude Bass Classic. The fundraising finale exceeded $190,000, a new milestone in success over the 14-year history of the tournament. The proceeds, up 26% from last year’s banner year that hit the one-million-dollars-raised mark, benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The top fundraising team, Scott Bonnema from Rogers and Rick Pelletier from Nowthen, raised $20,050. Dean Capra of Blaine and Pat Martin of Richmond won the tournament with the largest two-day basket of bass—42.31 pounds and cashed a check for $7,500. The winning team raised $7,200 for the charity. Overall, the average dollar amount raised per angler was slightly more than $1,000.
“We are proud to support the Zumbro Valley Bassmasters and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for all these years,” shared George Liddle, tournament committee member, Ranger Boats representative and sponsor since the inaugural year. “Look at what a group of dedicated fishermen can do when they set their mind to a task.” Over the span of 14 years, the Zumbro Valley Bassmasters raised over $1,250,000.
Held out of Wabasha, Minnesota, the event has an entry fee of $400 per team and reached 90 boats this year. However, size of field doesn’t tell the whole story. “Each team raises funds through various means—pancake breakfasts, spaghetti dinners—you name it,” shared Corey Waller, 2012 tournament committee chairman. “When teams raise $1,500 or more, they get a 50% bonus on their payout winnings if they land in the money.” First place pays out $5,000; with the kicker, it is $7,500. “The top ten fundraising teams blast off in order, which is another huge incentive,” continued Waller. “Participating in this tournament is definitely about working hard for a worthwhile cause.” Generous people these Minnesota anglers.
Amanda Cahow, Associate Director for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Minneapolis fundraising office, adds her enthusiasm for these selfless fishermen. “On behalf of the kids of St. Jude and the folks involved with the Dick Hiley St. Jude Bass Classic, many thanks for the continued effort over 14 years,” shared Cahow. “It’s really the kids of St. Jude that won this tournament. Because of your support, we’ve had another banner year this year. Congratulations.”
The winning duo of Dean Capra and Pat Martin put two strong days together to win the event with 42.31 pounds. “We’ve fished this event many years and have often come close with one good day, but it can be tricky on the river and your fish move,” shared Capra. Dean’s father Ted Capra won the tournament in 2004. Ted has been ill recently, and Dean really wanted to do well for him. “I want other anglers that fish this event to know to hang in there,” continued Dean. “We finally got two strong days together after many years of coming up short. It’s great to win an event tied to such a good cause like this.”
For more information on the Dick Hiley St. Jude Bass Classic go to www.stjudefishing.com or contact Corey Waller at cwallerbass1@hotmail.com.
