It was late July on Lake Michigan and we were once again in Muskegon, Michigan for the 3^rd Annual Dreamweaver Charity Salmon Tournament with all the proceeds going to Benefit4Kids, a non-profit that provides “Outdoor Wishes” to terminally ill and life limited children.

The day started out at 3am with phone calls to the 60 teams registered as big storms were rolling across the lake and would be on top of them by the start time. With waves approaching 6 feet and lightning, the teams had to delay the start time to 7:30am. This is a first in the 3 years of the tournament for such a delay.

By 10am, most of the weather had passed and blue skies were coming out. As in years past, there is a tremendous group of volunteers who sacrifice going fishing for setting up the pavilion for the weigh in, awards, and raffles. Since the bad weather had come in, many boats did not go out at all. Out of the 28 boats that went out, 22 weighed in fish. Most of the others who did not go out were still there at the weigh in for prizes and raffles. There was only one cash prize awarded which was for the biggest fish caught. This year, a 30 pounder took first place honors with many boats limiting out despite the late start.

There were two Benefit4Kid’s wish kid families in attendance this year. The family of Kevin Hertz was there. Kevin Hertz was the wish kid that the 2009 tournament sponsored his family trip to Alaska for Salmon fishing and sightseeing. Kevin lost his battle with cancer just 5 months after going to Alaska. He always smiled when he spoke about his trip and could not wait to return. Kevin’s dad and mom, Dennis and Karen along with his brother, Matt were present. They thanked everyone and vowed to remain a part of the event in the future. The Harris family was also present as a surprise to the teams. Kyle Harris suffered from Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, but is currently in remission. His outdoor wish is to go on a bear hunt in Alaska. He and his family left for his hunt in early August.

This event brought in over $9600, which brings the total for the last three years to over $20,000 raised. SCI, Flint Michigan chapter, contributed another $2,000 towards Kyle’s “Outdoor Wish”. “It is absolutely incredible for Benefit4Kids to be associated with such a great group of sportsmen and women who have unselfishly donated money and time to help these kids” said Al Baggett, president of Benefit4Kids. Also, the tournament also provided 110 pounds of Salmon filets to the local rescue mission. The gifts just keep on giving. The main sponsor, Dreamweaver lures, donated all the lures this year so that all of the entry fee could go to Benefit4Kids. There were so many other items donated, it would be impossible to mention. Of course, none of this would be possible without the fishing teams who generously came out to support Benefit4kids.

Benefit4Kids is a 100% volunteer, 501c(3) non profit organization which is dedicated to providing, at no cost, “Outdoor Wishes” for terminally ill and life limited children nationwide. To find out more about Benefit4Kids, go to the website, www.B4K.org.

Steve Hearing

Board of Directors

Benefit4Kids