by Ron Presley
Adventure donors deliver the goods at Guntersville
United Special Sportsman Alliance, Inc. (USSA) is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit wish-granting charity. They are the perfect organization for a bunch of catfish anglers to hook up with because the catfish community loves to share.
USSA recently held one of their Child Wish programs in Alabama at Lake Guntersville. The April 26 to 28, 2019 gathering was USSA’s 11th annual fishing event on Lake Guntersville where the organization pairs kids and captains for some fishing and fun. USSA provides lodging, food, and volunteer boat captain/guides to deliver a special experience to disabled, and critically-ill youth ages 4 to 19 years old.
“The primary goal for this event was giving the families a place of peace to focus on the quality of life, family ties, and the wonders of our natural world.” Offered Brigid O’Donoghue, COB, CEO, and Founder United Special Sportsman Alliance. “The anglers who donated time and resources made this event a dream come true!”
This latest event focused on fishing, but art and craft projects were available for the 17 kids in attendance. Each child was with a family member, because USSA believes strongly in keeping the family together.
“The guides are essential to the success of the children’s fishing trip,” O’Donoghue said. “They share their fishing skills, expertise, and hands-on experience with the children. The friendship developed between guide and family usually continues after the fishing trips end.”
Anglers from four states and their special families enjoyed time together at Camp Cha-La-Kee in Guntersville, AL where the adventure was staged. Lake Guntersville did not disappoint as quality fish were caught for the enjoyment of the campers.
“Everyone was filled with the anticipation of catching some nice bass and catfish as they left the dock,” continued O’Donoghue. “Thanks to the beautiful weather and knowledgeable fishing guides outstanding fish were reeled in by these eager youngsters and parents. Everyone had an enjoyable experience; as we know time spent together in the great outdoors is always peaceful and healing for everyone who is in the presence of its Creator!”
Joyce and Larry Muse are long time participants in the event. Joyce provides onshore volunteer help while Larry acts as one of the boat captains taking the families out on the water to fish.
“Every time we are privileged to do an event like this it changes my life,” commented Joyce. “All the families and children just make a person stop and think how much God has blessed them.”
“Sometimes we take out families whose child is afflicted with a terminal illness,” added Larry Muse. “The child doesn’t normally get to do anything but make Dr. appointments. It’s a blessing to all involved and share the time on the water.”
B’n’M Poles prostaffer Jeff Dodd also provided his boat and expertise to the USSA event. He loved seeing the response from the kid’s when they got their chance to reel in a fish.
“The kid’s event is awesome,” said Dodd. “Just being on the water is a big deal to the kids. But the look on their face when you hand them the rod is priceless.”
“Just a teenage fish is huge to them,” joked Dodd. “But a 30 or 40 pounder gets them saying things like ‘man oh man this thing feels like a bull dozer.’ Maybe not to us, but to these kids a 35-pound fish is definitely a SAD DADDY!”
“It’s was exciting for me just to see all this transpire,” concluded Dodd. “It is a great feeling knowing that you just helped these kids catch a fish of a lifetime! It’s also very humbling to realize that the things we think are important in life really don’t amount to a hill of beans. I cannot wait for the next event.”
O’Donoghue gave special thanks to USSA’s Alabama Rep. Joe Davis and his fantastic staff, participating anglers, the Heart of the Valley YMCA, Camp Cha La Kee, and all the volunteers for assisting USSA’s special families to enjoy an unforgettable fishing trip, great fellowship, and newfound friends.
From the USSA website: USSA is composed of a 100% volunteer staff from all walks of life, bonded together by a common love for our fellow man and deep respect and appreciation of our world’s natural resources. Working cooperatively with caring “Adventure” donors as well as generous individual and corporate sponsors, USSA significantly impacts the lives of thousands of children, disabled veterans and their families. Through these valuable efforts, the image of sportsmen is enhanced in the public eye and lifelong friendships are made.
To learn more about the charity, please view the website at www.childswish.org.
Epilogue: Participating Boat Captains
Special thanks to the boat captains who provided their time and equipment to the event. They include Lonnie and Dawn Fountain – Georgia, Donnie Fountain – Georgia, Eddie Swofford – Georgia, Jonathan Long – Georgia, Josh Gibson – Georgia, Larry Muse – Mississippi, Cedric Poynor – Tennessee, Jeff Dodd – Tennessee, Jerry Ishcomer – Texas, Johnny Grizzle – Georgia, Bob Brooks – Alabama, Charlie Williamson – Alabama, Ken Hollinghead – Alabama, Fred Parnell – Alabama.
