CELEBRATION, Fla. - Bassmaster Elite Series anglers travel around the country to compete on the circuit. And while they, their fans and BASS staff positively impact the economies of host communities through food, lodging and transportation expenditures, there's another group of people who didn't think that impact was large enough.
So, they took matters into their own hands - and local charities are reaping the rewards.
The BASS Wives, a group of Elite Series angler wives and girlfriends who travel with the athletes, are raising money for the local women and children's shelter in each of the 11 communities they visit. While the group - headed by Lee Bailey's wife, Carol, began in 2005 and raised nearly $5,000, it is now in full force and raising as much as $800 per tournament. Bailey expects to end the season with $8,800 collected and donated.
"Before we arrive to the town we are competing, I call the chamber of commerce and find out if there's a local children's home in need of supplies, food or bedding, and they usually recommend a local charity," said Bailey.
The Wives then shore up cash donations during tournament registration and purchase all of the items they plan to donate. At the Lone Star Shootout in Texas, The BASS Wives raised nearly $800 for Jasper's local women and children's shelter, affording it a new swing set, outdoor picnic table, new bedding, a crib and high chair, clothing and sporting apparel.
"This group doesn't just come into town to fish and leave," said Susan Stover, executive director of the Jasper-Lake Sam Rayburn Area Chamber of Commerce. "They help the community and we'd love to have them back bigger and better next time."
Bailey said having the pros and spouses work together for a good cause delights the community as well as fans. The BASS Wives want local communities to know that they are making a difference while they are in town.
"Shock, that's the main word that comes to mind," said Bailey of the response she receives from the recipient charities. "They are totally overwhelmed with gratitude, and amazed the BASS Elite anglers were so generous to give back to the towns they're in."