RICHMOND, Va. (Sept. 15, 2003) - On behalf of the Wal-Mart FLW Tour, Energizer made a $25,000 donation to the Children's Miracle Network during the FLW Tour Championship that took place last week on the James River in Richmond, Va. Energizer made the donation as part of the Energizer Catch and Release program, which requires Wal-Mart FLW Tour anglers to collectively maintain a 98-percent live-release rate throughout the tournament season. Ryan Corrigan, executive director of the Virginia chapter of the Children's Miracle Network, was accompanied by a local family whose child has benefited from past donations when he accepted the $25,000 check on behalf of the organization.
Energizer supports FLW Outdoors' focus on conservation and Wal-Mart's ongoing commitment to the Children's Miracle Network. Sponsorship of the Energizer Catch and Release program seemed a natural fit to bridge the two together. Since 2001, the company has donated $25,000 each season, as FLW Tour anglers have consistently surpassed the 98 percent live-release rate.
"Through the donations we are able to give back to the communities that host professional fishing tournaments in more than just one way," said Evan Nunn, general manger, Global Lighting Products for Energizer Battery Company. "Maintaining such a high live-release rate is great for the lakes, and the promise of helping children makes for a great added incentive to the anglers to reach that goal."
Energizer has been a sponsor of FLW Outdoors since 2001. The battery maker has donated more than $75,000 during the last three years to local Children's Miracle Network branches in the regions that have hosted the FLW Tour Championship. Each year, more than 17 million children in North America receive medical treatment thanks to the Children's Miracle Network that oversees 170 children's hospitals in the United States.
"Our livelihood is dependent on the conservation of our natural resources, and we are very proud of the effort put forth by our anglers throughout the years for us to consistently have such high live-release rates," said Charlie Hoover, president and chief executive officer of FLW Outdoors. "The Energizer Catch and Release program put conservation at the forefront of our FLW Tour events while providing a benefit to local chapters of the Children's Miracle Network."