Anglers looking to make a difference in the lives of children are asked to head to Cecil Hardin (Raccoon) State Park boat ramp for the first ever bass fishing tournament to benefit Isaiah 117 House.
The tournament will be held May 20 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is $100 per two man team.
The idea of putting on a fishing event came from Steve Bauer, who is a competitive fisherman looking to make a difference.
"I thought it would be a good way to get the word out in the community what Isaiah 117 is all about. I've been fortunate to meet some great people in this sport who care and want to give back. Nobody has done a fishing tournament for Isaiah 117 and I figured why not. I've thought about getting vinyl wrap on my boat with the Isaiah 117 logo," Bauer told The Putnam County Post.
Isaiah 117 House is a non-profit organization that provides a home for children on the day they are removed from their biological family by DCS and serves as a temporary safe environment where children are cared for by trained volunteers, fed, dressed in new clothing and comforted on the worst day of their life, according to Rissa Shepherd, expansion coordinator for Isaiah 117 House.
"The need is huge for these kids. Once I heard the stories, there was more passion for it. We are insulated from a lot of what is going on in society. The more I learned, the more passionate I became about getting involved. I want this to become an annual event," Bauer said.
The tournament is a two-man bass tournament with lake rules. Bauer said the fishing is open to large and small mouth bass. He said while the interest has been great, he truly has no idea what to expect when it comes to how many teams will show.
"I am not sure what the turnout will be. I am curious to see. I hope we have around 40 boats. It is really rewarding, and we have gotten a lot of support from a lot of people, including our church, Bethel, and our pastor Nathan Couch, who fishes with me," Bauer said.
For more information or to register, contact Bauer at 630-310-2329.
