October 13, 2014 at 4:36 p.m.
Let's Go Fishing fish fry expected to be first of many annual events
Let's Go Fishing fish fry expected to be first of many annual events
By Marcus Nesemann-marcus@rivernewsonline.com
Knowing the area's love of fried fish, officials at the Northwoods chapter of Let's Go Fishing held a fish fry fundraiser Friday to make sure the program stays afloat.
The chapter, which opened up in Rhinelander in July 2013, needs fundraisers to keep its boats gassed up and its trips free as it works to make sure every Northwoods resident has the opportunity to get out on a lake regardless of age, disability or financial status.
Making sure a boat is in good working order can be an expensive undertaking.
"We've got a big boat to pay for, along with gas, so in coming here for the fish fry, we hope to expose a whole different crowd to Let's Go Fishing - maybe get some new volunteers as well as new participants," explained Kari Zambon of Let's Go Fishing.
"Rocky's (Roadhouse0 was kind enough to donate the proceeds of their $7 fish special. There's one separate menu that's just for us and 100 percent of the proceeds are graciously donated to us. The remaining portion of their fish fry specials, they donated a portion of those proceeds to us until 9 o'clock (Friday evening)."
Being a relatively new endeavor in the Northwoods, the chapter is still working to schedule anual fundraising events. The fish fry is expected to be the first of many.
"This is our first annual fish fry. We plan to have it here every year," Chrissy Peterson of Let's Go Fishing said. "We also have our annual Walk for Let's Go Fishing, which is a national organization fundraiser, ... and coming up on Oct. 18, we're hosting the Polish Fun Run in Sugar Camp. They chose our nonprofit as (a) fundraiser. There's also a new musky tournament in Sugar Camp as well, so all the proceeds from that at the end of September were donated to us as well."
The group is also raising money in other ways, including by making advertising space available on its boat.
Not only do the proceeds from events like the fish fry keep the boat ready for launch, the extra money also ensures all the rides will continue to be free.
"It also helps to continue to be able to invite people to come at no charge. That's the big thing," Zambon said. "There's still some confusion out there. People think that our rides cost a lot to go out on our boat. It doesn't. It doesn't cost anything. That's why we're fundraising, so we can offer that experience to everyone."
The chapter took over 350 passengers on over 30 different trips last season, numbers that would have been higher if the weather had cooperated.
Both women said seeing the community embrace Let's Go Fishing the way it has over the last year has been an amazing sight to see.
"It's very encouraging," Zambon said.
"It's pretty awesome to me," Peterson said. "We feel like it's such a great organization that helps so many people and to see all the camaraderie that I see from all the community members, the businesses - I see so many people come and even donate a couple dollars here and there. It's a really humbling experience. It's really awesome."
Anyone interested in donating to the chapter, volunteering or participating in one of the trips should call (715) 219-5436.
Marcus Nesemann may be reached at marcus@rivernewsonline.com.
Comments:
You must login to comment.