Pacific Bay International Supports Fishing’s Future
by
Laura Jerone
 |
Individuals represented from left
to right: Bob
Lee, Pacific Bay International; Jesse Simpkins, chairman of
Future Fisherman Foundation; Anne Glick, executive director
of Future Fisherman Foundation; Laura Jerome, assistant director
of Future Fisherman Foundation. |
September 9, 2005—Alexandria, VA—Pacific Bay International
(Pac Bay), a long-time supporter of the Future Fisherman Foundation
(F3), the angler recruitment and education arm of the American Sportfishing
Association, made public its commitment to the future of fishing by
presenting a significant contribution to F3 staff during ICAST 2005,
the sportfishing industry’s
annual tradeshow, held in Las Vegas Nevada.
Pac Bay, a unique, one-stop-shop distributor for custom fishing rod components
and rod building supplies, presented a check to the foundation in the
amount of $3,325; representing a portion of their sales revenue from
their Rainforest 2 series of rod blanks. The donation marks the most
significant donation ever received by the foundation and is a testament
to the dedication of Pac Bay to support angling’s future. Over the
past 3 years, Pacific Bay has donated a total of $6,500 overall.
“Fishing is a good way for families to spend time together and an
activity that everyone can enjoy,” said Bob Lee, CEO of Pacific Bay
International. “It is important for all of us to encourage
our young people to make good life choices, such as spending time fishing
with family and friends; which gives them a solid base for their futures.”
The funds will be used to support ongoing Future Fisherman Foundation programs;
such as, Hooked On Fishing–Not On Drugs® (HOFNOD) and the National
PE Grants Initiative. HOFNOD is a nationwide program that teaches angling
skills, aquatic education, and environmental ethics with an emphasis
on positive life skills; such as, decision-making, goal-setting, and
helping others. The National PE Grants Initiative supplies grants of
up to $5,000 to physical education teachers nationwide to include fishing
and boating curriculum in their physical education classes.
“The continued support and generosity that Pacific Bay International
has shown the Future Fisherman Foundation has been tremendous in advancing
angler education, said Anne Glick, executive director of the Future
Fisherman Foundation. “Fishing with family and friends has always
been an enduring tradition in America and with the help of companies
like Pacific Bay, we are able to provide an avenue for young people
to carry on that tradition.”
Monetary donations are one of many ways to get involved with the foundation.
To get involved or for more information about the Future Fisherman Foundation,
please visit www.futurefisherman.org or
contact Laura Jerome, 703.519.9691,
x254.
About Pacific Bay International
Since 1978, Pacific Bay
has endeavored to become the leading distributor of fishing rod components
and rod building supplies. Now with worldwide recognition, Pacific
Bay International continues this tradition into the new millennium. With
a comprehensive inventory of high performance rod components and rod
accessories, Pacific Bay International is a unique one-stop-shop distributor
for all custom rod components. Our product line is integrated to cover
the needs of all sports fishing; freshwater, saltwater and fly- including
rod blanks, reel seats, guides, grips and more. For more information
on Pacific Bay International please visit www.fishpacbay.com.
The Future Fisherman Foundation is the angler recruitment and education
arm of the American Sportfishing Association, the leading recreational fishing
trade association. The Future Fisherman Foundation unites the sportfishing
industry with a nationwide network of state outdoor educators, national conservation
groups, and youth organizations, offering a variety of fishing and boating
programs, equipment, and services to community groups and schools across
the country. These efforts help people of all ages have safe and enjoyable
fishing experiences that foster conservation ethics.