Hooked On Fishing Takes a Wrong Turn

[Lee Borgersen]

    Post subject: Hooked On Fishing Takes a Wrong Turn   

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This program supported much of what  was accomplish in youth fishing related activities for the past 7 years.
Many thousands of goodie bags were filled and raffle tables supplemented for ISA events during this time because of this program.
Hundreds of other organizations depended on this for their events as well, and I'm very sad to see it go.
This creates a huge void that needs to be filled, unquestionably.

 
Quote:
 

"It is with great sorrow and regret that we announce that Hooked On Fishing International (HOFI) is no longer able to support the operations of the Kids All-American Fishing (KAAF) program. For 20 years we have worked with community-based organizations and agencies to introduce and promote the recreation of fishing to young people and their families. Through the support of our corporate partners, we have provided the KAAF fishing derby support kit and other planning and promotional resources to organizations wishing to host an on-water fishing event for their community.

Due to changing corporate priorities and market conditions, our key partners have chosen to devote their resources elsewhere and our efforts to secure new alliances have been unsuccessful.

We at HOFI would like to thank the numerous individuals representing the thousands of organizations and agencies with whom we have worked over these many years. Many have been with us from the very beginning when we introduced Kids All-American Fishing for the simple purpose of getting more kids fishing. We believed then as we still do today that no activity provides families a more enriching opportunity to reconnect and to experience the outdoors.

In 1987, the program's first year, we supported just over 60 fishing derbies in 28 states. The KAAF program grew to the point where 20 years later we supported nearly 1,900 events across the entire U.S. Over the years and through the tireless efforts of thousands of community volunteers, the KAAF program helped put fishing rods and reels in the hands of over eight million youngsters!

We offer our thanks and tremendous gratitude to you for helping make the Kids All-American Fishing program possible. Though we are unable to be a part of your future events, we hope Illinois Smallmouth Alliance will continue to offer the fun of fishing to the families within your community." 

We wish you the very best!

The Staff of HOFI, Inc.
 

[JohnWester]

that is too bad.

[rchaze60]

WOW that is too bad

[Lee Borgersen]

Every year it's getting harder and harder to get tackle manufacturers to come up with some type of support for kids fishing functions. I noticed it really hit the skids right after 9/11. I've been told that the industry is being overwhelmed with requests and can only write off so much.

It's a real shame that many companies have just discontinued supporting the kids fishing outings. Many local food and beverage businesses are still willing to help out in their communities. A handful of tackle companies will sell you rod and reel combos or tackle boxes at a discount rate.

I hate even asking any more because I feel like I'm begging.  Individual cash donations are very helpful. We usually put out a donation can at the kids day food line where the kids eat free and adults donate what they choose.

[repoman]

thats too bad