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NEWS RELEASE
BASS ANGLERS HAVE BEGUN REGISTERING FOR THE AREA AGENCY ON AGING BILL SANDERS – BO PIPER MEMORIAL BENEFIT BASS TOURNAMENT SCHEDULED FOR, SATURDAY, MARCH 20
If you’re a fisherman and you’re looking for some fun, a chance to make some money, and more importantly, the opportunity to aid a good cause, you need to be a part of the 13th Annual Area Agency on Aging Benefit Bass Tournament, Saturday, March 20 on the Arkansas River, Pine Bluff Regional Park, safe light until 3:00 PM.
2002 marked the 1st year the Bass Tournament was renamed in memory of Bill Sanders (October 5, 1952 – February 8, 2001) and in 2008; Bo Piper (September17, 1948 – March 14, 2008) was added to the Memorial event. Both Bill and Bo were avid fishermen, hunters and sportsmen and enjoyed the outdoors until their deaths. Bill was very instrumental in starting this Annual Agency Bass Tournament and always worked so hard to make it a huge successful event and Bo always enjoyed volunteering for the event. They both had a very special place in their heart for the elderly, sick and less fortunate and were always willing to help.
The tournament is not just about winning, but also is about “helping others”. Entry fees, plus sponsor donations, help the Area Agency to provide services to the frail and elderly in the ten county area served by the Agency. These services include home delivered meals, home care, transportation and senior citizen centers. As an example, the Agency can take the contributions and funds raised and use them to match grants, thereby, increasing the funds the Agency would have available in the area. For example, a $500 contribution matched with grants would equal about $4000 in revenue for the Agency, which is a good return on an individual’s or business’s tax deductible donation. Boats will launch according to their paid registration entry number. The entry fee is $110.00 per 2-person team which includes participating in the $500.00 “Big Bass Pot”, sponsored by Central Arkansas Storage. com., one of the tournament’s Double Diamond Sponsor.
Weigh-in for the event will be conducted by Weigh Master, Gary Henderson, long time sportsman and area businessman. For participating tournament anglers, a hospitality tent will also be set up at the weigh-in location.
Fee also includes two tickets to the King Kat Fish Fry that will be held in the Pine Bluff Regional Park Waterfront Facility immediately following the weigh-in. Entertainment is planned and beverages will be provided by Three Rivers Distributors.
Fishermen are encouraged to register early to receive the discounted entry fee. (A $15.00 Late Fee is assessed for those that register at the ramp on the day of the tournament)
In addition, the first seventy five teams to sign up will receive a free official tournament shirt designed and produced by Gary Sullivant, Vision Graphics. Six random drawings for $50 Cash will be given away, but in order to be eligible to win, the angler must be sporting the 2010 official Sanders – Piper Benefit Tournament shirt.
Winners of the tournament will receive $2500 in cash, sponsored by SEAT (Southeast Arkansas Transit), and serving as the Platinum Presenting Sponsor of the tournament. Top 10 places are guaranteed cash and prizes.
A special fisherman tribute will be included in the event and persons wishing to participate may make a donation in honor of or in memory of a friend, family member or fellow sportsman.
Proceeds from this 13th Annual tournament will benefit the Area Agency on Aging and 100% of the donations remain in Southeast Arkansas. The Area Agency provides many services to the frail and elderly including Meals on Wheels. home care, transportation and senior centers. The Area Agency operates these programs throughout Southeast Arkansas including Jefferson, Ashley, Arkansas, Bradley, Chicot, Desha, Drew, Cleveland, Lincoln and Grant Counties. 100% of the proceeds will be used for services in these Southeast Arkansas counties. Faced with more recent budget cuts, the Area Agency seeks the support of area businesses and individuals to support this fundraiser to help the Agency continue to serve the needs of the elderly, sick and frail of Southeast Arkansas. The Agency graciously accepts donations in any amounts and money will be used to help make it possible for more home bound seniors to have a home delivered meal. Proceeds will also benefit the Agency’s Caregiver Program that provides respite care and other assistance to those dutifully caring for their ill spouse or parent in the home.
Fishermen interested in participating in the event may register by contacting Cynda Piper, Area Agency on Aging, at 870-543-6300 or toll free 1-800-264-3260, or by E-mail: cpiper@aaasea.org. Also, anyone wishing to make a donation or to volunteer should also contact the Area Agency on Aging, 709 East 8th, Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Additional information about the Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas Services and Programs and the Bass Tournament registration and rules will be available on the Area Agency web page, www.aaasea.org. (beginning January 15, 2010)