For Immediate Release
Contact: Jim Kalkofen, JK Outdoors
218-825-3732; [email protected]
Anglers will “Reel-In” Much Needed Funds for Minnesota Teen Challenge
What: Inaugural Minnesota Fishing Challenge
(Multi-Species Fishing Tournament Benefiting Minnesota Teen Challenge)
When: Saturday, May, 30
Where: Gull Lake, north of Brainerd
Note to Media: There will be many opportunities for on-water photos, fishing and meeting the anglers and Al Lindner. Thank you for your interest and coverage.
Anglers of all skill-levels will come together to compete and “reel-in” funds for Minnesota Teen Challenge, one of the most successful drug and alcohol treatment programs in the state. The event will be held on Gull Lake, near Brainerd on May 30.
Fishing innovator and TV star Al Lindner will serve as Honorary Tournament Director. “I believe strongly in this cause, and will do everything possible to assist Minnesota Teen Challenge and make this a great fishing event on one of my favorite lakes,” Lindner said.
Two-person teams may compete in a single division or try for all species. The entry fee is $100 per team. Entries will be accepted until the 100-team field is set. Teams then have until mid-May to raise a minimum of $500 in tax-deductible sponsorship fees. “This great cause should be an easy-sell with sponsorship support from families, friends, co-workers, businesses, and others,” Lindner said. “I bet many teams will find more than $500 in sponsorships.”
The Fishing Challenge is open to all ages. If team members are both under 16, they must have a non-fishing guardian or parent present in the boat. Trophies for each category are based on weights. Only the largest pike and bass will be eligible for prizes. In the walleye category, three walleyes may be weighed. The panfish division is open for any combination of three bluegills, sunfish or perch. An array of prizes will be awarded to the heaviest catches per division. Every contestant will win merchandise.
To register, please visit http://www.mntc.org/fishingchallenge. The weigh-in site will be at Ernie’s on Gull Lake, where Fishing for Life activities and an archery shooting range hosted by CenterShot Archery will be open to youngsters. These hands-on games are free to the public, as will be the 4 p.m. stage show and weigh-in ceremonies.
Minnesota Teen Challenge is a faith-based organization to help people find freedom from the destructive habits of alcohol and drug abuse. Sam Anderson, director of the Brainerd facility said, “This type of support from the fishing fraternity means so much to Minnesota Teen Challenge – thank you. Our goal is to help each person who walks through our doors find true freedom from addiction. Hope is being restored one life at a time here at Minnesota Teen Challenge.”