Once again The Schwartz Center hosted their annual Fishing for a Cause event in Buzzard’s Bay. There were winners from all over New England, including Portsmouth, Middletown, Barrington and Warwick.
The 7th annual Fishing for A Cause tournament, fundraiser and dinner raised nearly $200,000 to benefit children and families of Meeting Street. The sold-out annual event featured more than 100 anglers and over 350 guests at the seaside dinner, making it once again the largest annual fundraiser for The Schwartz Center. Fishing for a Cause has raised more than $1 million in its seven-year history.
“Our 7th Tournament and Seaside Dinner surpassed all expectations thanks to our incredible supporters and our Fishing Committee,” said Meeting Street President John M. Kelly. “The incredible spirit of giving and dedication to our work and to our children is truly humbling.”
Fishermen and women hit the waters of Buzzards Bay on June 23rd and 24th for a two-day catch and release tournament. Upon the culmination of the tournament, participants enjoyed a seaside dinner emceed by comedian Lenny Clarke. The dinner celebrated tournament participants, dedicated supporters and the children and families that will benefit from the proceeds.
This year’s winning anglers were:
STRIPED BASS
1st – Mike Marcello: 48.00″ – Portsmouth, RI
2nd – Brian Combra: 46.00″ – Portsmouth, RI
3rd – Steve Bakios: 45.50″ – Middletown, RI
BLUEFISH
1st – Richard Bellizzi: 31.50″ – Dartmouth, MA
2nd – Tony Sapienza: 28.00″ – South Dartmouth, MA
3rd – Joe Bahena: 26.00″ – Barrington, RI
FLUKE
1st – Dan Abraham: 22.25” – Portsmouth, RI
2nd – Jack Sprengel: 22.00″ – Warwick, RI
3rd – Bill Mandly: 21.88″ – Westport, MA
For more information about this year’s event, visit http://www.meetingstreet.org/.