The 6th Annual “Fishing For a Cure” Buddy Bass Tournament, held April 24 in Rich Hill, Mo., raised more than $1,000 in the fight against cystic fibrosis, a deadly genetic disease. Despite a steady rain through much of the morning, 15 teams were entered in this year’s competition. The charity tournament is an annual event to benefit Team Gracie, and all proceeds are donated directly to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Teams of two checked-in three fish each, and prizes were awarded for total weight and biggest bass overall. Taking first place, Nathan Kassner and Lance Breckenridge won the overall trophy with a total weight of 14 pounds, 5 ounces for three large-mouth bass. They won $100 – which they donated back to Team Gracie – trophies, T-shirts, tackle boxes and Craftsman Truck Series tickets to Kansas Speedway. Leon Gire of Lamar checked-in the largest bass of the tournament, which weighed in at 6 pounds. Gire took home a tackle box, T-shirt and the “biggest bass cash pot,” which he also donated back to Team Gracie.
Gire, with his teammate Kenny Bolkman, also came in second place for overall team with a total catch of 13 pounds, 13 ounces. They won hats, T-shirts and IRL tickets to Kansas
Speedway. Nick Marchiano and Josh Cooke took home hats and other prizes when they came in third with a total of 12 pounds, 11 ounces. With generous sponsor donations, everyone who competed received door prizes. At check-in, everyone enjoyed a smoked pulled pork and briscuit meal, courtesy of Terry and Dixie Hoeper. Pictures of the event can be found at www.walkforgrace.com.
Team Gracie is a group formed to support Grace Beshore and her battle with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Grace Beshore is the 7-year-old daughter of Chris Beshore, niece of Natalea Hoeper and granddaughter of Terry and Dixie Hoeper, all of Insurtec Salon and Tanning Insurance. CF affects approximately 30,000 children and adults in the United States. According to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation: “A defective gene causes the body to produce an abnormally thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections.” In the 1950’s, few children with CF lived past Grace’s current age, but with donations from events such as this, along with the strong commitment of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the life expectancy of CF patients has risen to 37 years.
This year's event sponsors included Apex Tile, Insurtec Salon Insurance and Cabela's.
If you are interested in learning more about the event, making a charitable donation or receiving more information about upcoming events, visit www.walkforgrace.com or contact Chris Beshore at 417.395.2770.
