Christmas for Kids Charity Tournament Win
Goes to Randy Blue
The real winners are the kids and families that benefit from this annual tournament.
It is not unusual to find catfish stories that relate to good deeds done. The catfish community is known for having a collectively warm heart and a sense of giving that goes well beyond the joy of fishing.
Since 2015 a tournament has been held on Wheeler Lake in Alabama with a sole mission of supporting families and children in the community with some Christmas cheer. Six teams showed up that first year to support the cause and they raised enough funds to sponsor 1 family and 2 teenagers.
Two men, Steve Dobbs and Cad Daly, with an interest in catfishing and a desire to contribute to their community, started that first tournament and it continues today. Each year, as the event continues more volunteers stepped up to lend their support.
The 2021 event was led by Edmond Crowden (Yammer & Sons Bait Company). Crowden also provided the bait for the tournament with all proceeds going back to benefit the cause.
The proceeds from entry fees, raffles, and donations all go to purchasing Christmas presents and meals for less fortunate families in the Rogersville, Florence, and Decatur areas. Crowden obtains lists of needy persons from schools, churches, and state resources to determine the actual beneficiaries.
Crowden (center left) was assisted in the administration of the 2021 tournament by Melinda Folsom (center left) who oversaw the sponsorships and various marketing duties. Ryan Lawrence (center back) was the 2021 weighmaster. His wife, Tiffany Reed-Lawrence, along with other volunteers, assisted with various other duties. Tonya Newton provided photography services and Chris Sapp provided his facilities at Dry Creek Marine for the afternoon gathering. Crowden sent special thanks to all of them.
The 2021 Christmas for Kids Catfish Tournament was held at Ingalls Harbor Pavilion and Event Center, and Dry Creek Marine, LLC.
Thirty-two teams launched on a foggy morning to compete for bragging rights and various prizes. The day started at 7 am at Ingalls Harbor in Decatur. The anglers fished until 3:00 pm for a 4:00 pm weigh-in.
“I want to send a special thank you to all the anglers that took such great care of their fish,” said Weighmaster Ryan Lawrence. “All of the fish came to the scales very lively and healthy. I also want to thank Edmond and Melinda for everything they did behind the scenes to make this event happen.”
Following the weigh-in, at Ingalls Harbor, the action shifted to Dry Creek Marine where local students and others volunteered to help with the BBQ plates, pizza, raffles, a silent auction, and the awards ceremony.
And the Winners Are
Of course, the real winners are the kids and families that will be affected by the generosity of the catfish community who participated in Christmas for Kids. Nevertheless, the anglers had a great time and caught some quality fish.
“We had 32 boats and raised $9,400,” reported Folsom. “That is over $3,000 more than we raised last year!!! We could NOT do this without our Participants, Sponsors, and Event Crew!!! Thank you all so much!!”
1st Place Big Fish – Randy Blue, 69.27#
2nd Place Big Fish – Matt & Josh Gillis, 57.34#
3rd Place Big Fish – Michael Vaughn & Tony Ramsey, 56.84#
1st Place Closest to 20# without going Over – Wayne Reed, Robin East & Stacey Martin, 19.98#
Top Finishing Veteran – Secody Howard, 48.89#
Top Finishing Female – Melinda Folsom, 52.15#
Top Finishing Youth – Emily & Sarah Folsom, 52.15#
Scott Childers won the Abu 6500 special and the Free Entry to the Bama Blues event on Jan 1st.
Wayne Reed won the Grounder 350 Hunting Blind.
Chase Daly won the Free 1 Night Stay at the Home 2 in Decatur, AL.
Epilogue:
This event is a special one because it’s all about the kids and helping less fortunate families have a happier Christmas. Historically the tournament has gotten bigger and more individuals are helped each year.
“This is our 2nd year doing this tournament,” reported tournament director Edmond Crowden. “Our goal is to make it bigger and better every year. We began in our first year helping 15 to 20 kids. Now, in our second year to direct the event we will be helping 50 plus.”
“Our sponsors donated tackle and gift certificates and other products for a raffle,” continued Crowden. “Because of the money raised, there will be a lot of happy kids on Christmas morning because of the generosity of the catfish community. This wouldn’t be possible without our anglers and our sponsors. As the director, I’m overwhelmed by the generosity exhibited by the backers and I thank them deeply for their support.”
