KISSIMMEE-ST. CLOUD (FL) CVB, October 21, 2003 - Reigning Bassmaster Classic champion Mike Iaconelli is one of the 20 superstar bass fishermen participating in this year's Angling Against Cancer Benefit Dinner and Tournament.
Nine-time Bassmaster Angler of the Year Roland Martin, and two-time ESPN Great Outdoor Games gold medal winner Peter "T" Thliveros are also among the anglers volunteering their time and talent in the 4-year-old charity event. This unique tournament, created by the Kissimmee-St Cloud Convention and Visitors Bureau as part of its annual Anglers Challenge fishing promotion, combines a fund-raising dinner with an exciting bass tournament that unites some of bass fishing's biggest names with corporate donors.
Individual tickets are just $75. Corporate tables that include fishing in the tournament are also available.
All proceeds raised from the Angling Against Cancer Benefit Dinner and Tournament benefit the V Foundation for Cancer Research. Since its founding in 1993 by ESPN and Jim Valvano, the V Foundation has raised over $30 million and funded 190 cancer research grants.
This year's Angling Against Cancer Benefit Dinner and Tournament kicks off Saturday evening, Nov. 1, at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Kissimmee. The bass anglers will be the "big fish" that evening as they meet fans and corporate sponsors. The evening also includes live entertainment and a live and silent auction.
Following Saturday evening's festivities, the pros join selected sponsors for a friendly fishing tournament on Lake Toho that is less about bragging rights and more about the quest for a cure. A weigh-in and awards ceremony will take place on center stage during AquaMania, another Anglers Challenge event, at the Kissimmee Lakefront Park just prior to a free concert by country musician Tracy Byrd.
The Angling Against Cancer Benefit Dinner and Tournament has also hooked onto a national promotion to help fund research focused on finding cures for the disease.
"Lure for a Cure" debuted at the 2003 Bassmaster Classic as a fund-raising tool in the quest to cure cancer. Retailing for $12.95, Lure for a Cure is a uniquely designed tri-pack of Heddon Super Spook Jr. topwater lures. Proceeds from each sale go to the V Foundation by way of Angling Against Cancer.
Fishing fans wanting to join in the fight against cancer can click onto www.lurenet.com to purchase the lure kit. The kit features specially designed lures by three pro anglers, Kissimmee-St. Cloud's Terry Segraves, Alabama's Tim Horton and Louisiana pro Sam Swett.
For more information on Angling Against Cancer, the Anglers Challenge or Lure For a Cure, log on to www.anglerschallenge.org.
2003 Angling Against Cancer
Professional Angler Participants
Scott Bell Kane, PA
Paul Elias Pachuta, MS
Chuck Economou Redington Shores, FL
Pete Gluszek Frankinville, NJ
Carroll Hagood Auburndale, FL
Charlie Hartley Grove City, OH
Tim Horton Muscle Shoals, AL
Mike Iaconelli Runnemede, NJ
Elton Luce, Jr Brookland, TX
Roland Martin Clewiston, FL
Scott Martin Clewiston, FL
Ralph Petty Cleveland, TN
Terry Scroggins San Mateo, FL
Mike Surman Boca Raton, FL
Sam Swett Covington, LA
Peter Thliveros Jacksonville, FL
David Walker Sevierville, TN
Kevin Wirth Crestwood, KY
Charlie Youngers Sanford, FL