Wanted to take this opportunity to thank every one for making Take a Kid Fishing 2010 a success once again this year!
This year we had a total of 20 boats hosting 22 children from the Florida Baptist Children’s Home. The kids ranged in age from 5 to 17. We’re not sure who had more fun…the kids or captains. There were lots of smiles from every one and memories to take home.
Archie led us in prayer and we blasted off at 8:00. There was chatter on the radio and pictures flying back and forth by cell phone! When the kids hit land at noon, out came the fish…grouper, flounder, reds, trout, shark, and a HUGH catfish. Stories grew bigger as we all sat down for lunch!
Of course, this event wouldn’t be successful without all the help we get. So I wanted to extend a thanks to members of North Florida Gulf Fishing Club and Coastal Conservation Assoc.; PBS&J (hotdogs, chips, and drinks); Wing Stop (potato salad); Marty Spears (Flowers Bakery - buns); Jim McKinnell (CVS Pharmacy - sunscreen); Harvest Printing (TAKF boat stickers); BigBendFishing.net; City of St. Marks (ramp and pavilion fee waiver); and Shields Marina (ramp fee waiver). Mike Scibelli also went all out and raised enough to give each child a $50 gift certificate to Target. Last, but not least, a special thanks to Bud Halbert for his assistance.
If you were not able to make it this year, but are interested in next year, send me an email (doneengland@gmail.com) and I’ll add you to the announcement list. It’s a “hoot” you won’t soon forget!
If you have pictures, please email them to me so that I can provide them to the children’s home.
Captains, thank you again for your time and the use of your boat to provide such a memorable time for these kids.
Don England (Greenbone)