Redfish tourney to aid needy families at Thanksgiving

RUSKIN — Redfish will be the catch of the day at an upcoming event, organized by the South Shore Anglers.



The fishing club will host its third annual longest redfish tournament starting tonight, and continuing tomorrow


For the second consecutive year, proceeds from the event will benefit the South Shore Big Give.


"Our goal isn't to get a certain amount of anglers to our event or hit a certain fundraising number," said Tiger Hoffman, president of the South Shore Anglers. "We just want to raise some money for them and do our part."


The Big Give - a volunteer-driven collaboration between area businesses and organizations that has helped feed hundreds of homeless and hungry families on Thanksgiving the past two years - began as an initiative of Beth Howard, co-owner and manager of the South Shore Gallery in Apollo Beach.


Last year, Beanie's Family Sports Grill in Ruskin hosted the South Shore Big Give, which fed about 500 people. Beanie's will also be the site of the captain's meeting and weigh-in for the redfish tournament.


This year, the Big Give is expanding.
Instead of coming to Beanie's, a group of area churches and other civic organizations will host diners at their venues, with food provided by Beanie's. Volunteers will serve the prepared feast and deliver dinners.

"I just figured that, instead of paying $500 or $600 for a tent like I did last year to accommodate people here, that money would be better spent on helping feed more people," said Donald "Beanie" Tichy, owner of Beanie's.

Honda Cars of Bradenton, Mike King with a nice Redfish!

Tichy said four churches in Ruskin - Northside Baptist, Southside Baptist, Ruskin Methodist and Destiny - have already agreed to participate. He is also in discussions with churches in Sun City Center and hopes to feed between 600 and 700 people this year.


"During times of need, I think people are more likely to go to a church anyway," Tichy said.


The redfish tournament is the latest charitable effort from the South Shore Anglers, which has helped raised money for the Bloomingdale Library attack victim, the Riverview High School football program and Wildlife Rescue Ministries.


"Anything we can to help charities in the area, we're more than happy to do," Hoffman said.
IF YOU GO


WHAT: The South Shore Anglers Club redfish tournament

WHEN: Registration and captains meeting tonight at 7 p.m. Tournament will start after the meeting. Weigh-in and pictures tomorrow at 4 p.m.

WHERE: All events will take place at Beanie's Family Sports Grill, 2002 U.S. 41 S., Ruskin

COST: $25

INFORMATION: (813) 629-2479