NEWS &
NOTES
I
BASS PRO SHOPS, FLW PARTNER TO
PROMOTE HIGH SCHOOL FISHING
n early May, FLW and Bass Pro Shops announced that
they’d reached an agreement for Bass Pro Shops to
become the title sponsor of FLW’s series of High School
Fishing Opens. The series includes 24 tournaments held
around the country, with top finishers qualifying for the
High School Fishing National Championship.
“Bass Pro Shops is deeply committed to helping young
people connect with nature through fishing and outdoor
recreation,” says Bass Pro Shops founder/CEO Johnny
Morris. “We are very proud to support Fishing League
Worldwide and their efforts to grow the sport of fishing
with anglers of all ages.”
In addition to receiving exposure at FLW tournaments
and media outlets, the outdoor retail giant will also be the
presenting sponsor for multiple YETI FLW College Fishing
tournaments, and FLW will host registration meetings
and/or weigh-ins for some events at Bass Pro Shops
stores. Gift cards to Bass Pro Shops will also be included in
FLW Monthly Member Giveaways.
For more information, visit FLWFishing.com or
bassproshops.com.
ANNUAL CHARITY TOURNAMENT
SURPASSES $1 MILLION IN DONATIONS
T
Elizabeth Sullivan from the Arkansas Children’s Hospital with a
check from this season’s charity event.
he annual FLW Will Fish for Kids Bill Kerr Memorial
Charity Tournament reached a milestone on May 1
when it raised $60,703.44 for the Dental Clinic at the
Arkansas Children’s Hospital. That put the grand total for
the annual event at more than $1 million raised since
2005. The tournament, which was presented by Quaker
State, was held following the Beaver Lake FLW Tour stop.
Pro James Watson of Lampe, Mo., served as honorary
chairperson for the WFFK event. Donations were derived
from entry fees and corporate boat sponsorships, plus
funds raised at a banquet and silent auction the evening
before.
Former Forrest Wood Cup champ Scott Martin and
David Hunter won the tournament with a limit weighing 14
pounds, 14 ounces.
For more information, visit WillFishForKids.com.
FISHING COMMUNITY RAISING FUNDS FOR HIBDON
A GoFundMe campaign was established in early May to raise
funds to help alleviate expenses associated with Guido Hibdon’s can-
cer treatment and recovery period. Hibdon underwent surgery for
colon cancer in February 2016 and began chemotherapy treatments
the following May. Since then, the 70-year-old has been unable to
resume his guide business on Lake of the Ozarks, and his family is
struggling with financial burdens.
Tammy Cox, a family friend, along with Krista Heidgerken at
Evinrude, set up the GoFundMe account, “Cast a Helping Hand to
Guido Hibdon,” whose goal is $100,000. By press time in early June,
the fund had raised nearly $37,000. The money will be used to help
Guido and his wife, Stella, through his long convalescent period,
which is expected to extend well into the summer.
To make a donation, visit gofundme.com/cast-a-helping-hand-for-guido-hibdo.
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FLWFISHING.COM I juLy 2017