Check Out Photos from the 2007 Tournament - Click Here! Contact: Meghan Clancy, Event Coordinator
239.403.4200, meghanc@conservancy.org
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CONSERVANCY OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
ANNUAL 2008 REDSNOOK CATCH & RELEASE CHARITY TOURNAMENT
WITH ROLAND MARTIN.
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida announces the second year for the 2008 RedSnook Catch and Release Charity Tournament. This International Game Fish Association certified tournament will be held October 3 through 5. Teams, individuals and junior anglers under age 16 can participate. Heatherwood Construction is the 2008 presenting sponsor. Other participating sponsors include M&I Bank, Naples Harbour Yacht Club, Comcast, ESPN-AM Radio, Naples Yacht Club and Florida Fishing Weekly.
Roland Martin, legendary angler and television host of the "Fishing with Roland Martin Show," will again host the three-day tournament, a benefit to raise funds for the Conservancy of Southwest Florida water quality programs. The kick-off party and auction is Friday, October 3 at the Naples Harbour Yacht Club. Anglers will launch from Naples, Goodland and Chokoloskee Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5. The awards ceremony is Sunday evening, October 5. To register, contact Meghan Clancy at (239) 403-4200. Registrations will be accepted until September 22, 2008. "Due to popular demand, a fly fishing division has been added to this year's tournament," according to Andy Hill, Conservancy Board member and tournament chair. "We've also added a junior angler division and encourage all women anglers to compete." "Last year," said Andrew McElwaine, Conservancy of Southwest Florida CEO and president, "the tournament raised over $40,000 for our water quality and water protection programs." McElwaine continued, "This year, thanks to the great vision set by former tournament chairs Jim Lozelle and Gil LaCroix, and Andy's energy this year, I have no doubt we can exceed that amount." Andy Hill stated, "Having Roland Martin as our honorary chair and spokesperson is a big win for us. Roland has been kind enough to donate his time and truly understands that great fishing relies on great water. Since many Conservancy efforts focus on protecting our waterways, this is a win-win for competitive anglers and the Conservancy." Jim Lozelle has been in charge of planning this year's auction and is optimistic that the auction will be better than ever. "Through the generosity of businesses and individuals in the area, we are excited about receiving unique, one-of-a-kind auction items. Though the items are too numerous to mention, some of them include a one week vacation in a 10,000 square foot private home in Manzanilla, Mexico, complete with full staff and a Rio Negro Lodge Adventure in Brazil." The October 3 Kick off party and auction is open to the public on October 3 at the Naples Harbour Yacht Club. "We encourage all in the angling community, and throughout Naples, to come to this exciting party and fundraiser," summarized Lozelle.
About the Conservancy of Southwest Florida
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida began in 1964 when community leaders came together to defeat a proposed "Road to Nowhere" and spearheaded the acquisition and protection of Rookery Bay. The Conservancy is a non-profit grassroots organization focused on the critical environmental issues of the Southwest Florida region. Partnering with like-minded organizations, we work to manage proper growth, protect our waters, land and wildlife and provide environmental education to residents and visitors. We promote sound environmental polices and practices based on solid scientific research. Our Wildlife Rehabilitation Center treats over 2,400 injured, sick and orphaned animals per year and releases about half back into their native habitats. For information, call 239.262.0304 or visit www.conservancy.org
