More than 100 anglers will cast their fishing lines this weekend in an effort to help abused, neglected and abandoned kids in South Texas.
Valley Haven, Inc., an emergency children’s shelter based in Harlingen, will host its fifth annual 2-day Boat and Kayak Fishing Tournament starting Friday Sept. 20 at Louie’s Backyard and Jim’s Pier on the Island.
Fishing tournament registration will be held Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. at Louie’s Backyard.
A captain’s meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. at Louie’s Backyard.
Participants will be able to check in Saturday starting at 5:30 a.m. at Jim’s Pier, and will be able to fish from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Weigh in will be held at Jim’s Pier from noon to 2 p.m.
A dinner will be held at Louie’s Backyard starting at 6:30 p.m. followed by an awards ceremony at 7 p.m.
The fee for adult anglers is $100.
Anglers ages 17 and younger will be charged $45 to participate in the tournament.
Fishing isn’t the only way attendees can lend a helping hand to the good local cause.
The fundraiser will also feature a social event.
For a $50 donation, the social event will include a meal and one door prize ticket.
“There’s going to be lots of wonderful raffle items and door prizes, said Valley Haven, Inc. Executive Director and Co-Founder Kristen Millon. “People will be able to mingle with our staff and we would love to have them there.”
Valley Haven, Inc. opened its doors in February of 2018 and began operating as the region’s first emergency children’s shelter.
Millon said the nonprofit’s annual fundraiser makes a huge impact for kids that receive help at Valley Haven, Inc.
“All of the funds we raise go directly to anything the kids need such as daily care, medical and school needs, clothes and shoes” Millon explained. “So, it’s a huge impact because it helps us provide them with the most normal life we can.”
According to Valley Haven, Inc.’s website, before the nonprofit was created, children removed from their homes by Child Protective Services were transported to emergency children’s shelters that are located three or more hours away from the Valley.
Valley Haven, Inc.’s 6,600 square-foot home is capable of housing 36 children that are just months old up to 17 years old, and prioritizes keeping siblings together.
“Everything we do is for the kids that are placed with us,” Millon said. “So, it’s very rewarding to see everybody work together to support our organization, our cause and make things happen.”
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Friday
WHERE — Louie’s Backyard
FISHING TOURNAMENT REGISTRATION —from 6 to 9 p.m.
CAPTAIN’S MEETING — 7:30 p.m.
SOCIAL EVENT — 6 to 9 p.m.
Saturday
CHECK-IN — Jim’s Pier starting at 5:30 a.m.
FISHING TOURNAMENT — 6:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WEIGH IN — Jim’s Pier from noon to 2 p.m.
DINNER — Louie’s Backyard from 6 to 8 p.m.
AWARDS CEREMONY — Louie’s Backyard at 7 p.m.
RAFFLE — Louie’s Backyard at 7:30 p.m.
IF YOU GO
WHAT — Valley Haven’s third annual Boat and Kayak Fishing Tournament
WHEN — Friday, Sept. 20 and Saturday, Sept. 21
WHERE — Louie’s Backyard, 2305 Laguna Blvd., South Padre Island
TOURNAMENT COST — $100 per angler, $45 per child angler (17 and younger)
SOCIAL EVENT FUNRAISER — $50 donation includes meal and one door prize ticket
For more information, visit www.valleyhaveninc.org, email info@valleyhaveninc.org or call (956) 893-0422.
Alana Hernandez
