Fishing For Life serves youth, family and community through fishing and outdoor programs. We have been in existence since 2004. Our primary programs are the Fish-A-Thon, Fish Fair and Reel 'Em In Kids. Fish-A-Thon helps other organizations by engaging youth in a pledge-a-thon based on fish caught, hours fished or straight donations. In 2010 we wish to launch a National Fish-A-Thon campaign. Fish Fair is a fishing carnival for families. Trout pond, lure making, fly-tying, games and vendors make this a great educational event. Boy Scouts who participate earn merit badge rank advancement. Reel 'Em In Kids collects and refurbishes rods, reels and tackle and distributes these to underserved youth from the Twin Cities at Lake Events held throughout the summer.
Our Mission
Our mission is to serve youth family and community through fishing and outdoor programs. Our programs assist other organizations wishing to raise funds or provide recreational outings for their participates. We provide education about Minnesota Natural Resources, encouraging habitat conservation and utilization in the spirit of stewardship and sportsmanship. In 2009 we engaged over 5,000 youth in fishing related activities and employed over 2,500 volunteer hours in our programs. We are an official national affiliate of the National Parks and Recreation Association TAKEMEFISHING program.
Why We Need a New Website
Our initiative this year to launch a national Fish-A-Thon campaign is directly related to our web capacity to host the Marathon Man event. This event is a 24 Hour fishing marathon conducted by Jeff Kolodzinski. His efforts last year have been documented and submitted to the Guinness Book of World Records for certification of his catch as a world record (1569 fish in 24 hours). National partners will be encouraged to join us through web technology to develop their own lake events and fishing related activities around this event to be held July 30th, 2010 at Maynard's on Lake Minnetonka. Our mission to serve community will be greatly enhanced as we move this to a national campaign.
How Our New Site Will Help Make the World Greener
Utilization of water resources through fishing helps raise awareness of our need to sustain water habitats. Phosphate soaps increase algae production and invasive species and viruses threaten to harm our fisheries. Education on this topics while participating in an event that funds organizations working to better their communities is a win on multiple levels. The Marathon Man is a shore fishing event, which promotes the joys of this sport without fostering the perception that fishing can only be done in a fossil-fuel burning boat.
When the judges choose which non-profits will be selected to participate in this year's Challenge they will take into account testimonials from beneficiaries, donors, volunteers, board members and other
Fishing for Life is a great organization to volunteer for. Being able to take kids who don't have a chance or have never been fishing, and take them out at one of the lake events is great. To see the excitment in there faces as they get their first boat ride, or seeing the smiles as they catch their first fish will give them positive memories of the outdoors.
Troy Sonnenfeld, volunteer
Fishing for Life is truly a Minnesota Gem! Since we are the "Land of 10,000 Lakes" what better way to utilize those assets then to add a ministry to them. The funds raised from this organization are reaching out to many and are capable of reaching out to many more. I was fortunate enough to grow up in a small town near a lake, some of my favorite memories fishing included going out on the lake with my dad and grandfather... knowing that the majority of families these days are coming from a broken homes, many kids don't have the opportunity to connect with family the way they should. Fishing for Life not only promotes family togetherness, it also goes a step further by helping other non-profits in the Urban communities.
Sara Shrode, volunteer
All I have to say is WOW...!
Have you seen the pride in a kids face when he or she has the first fish they have EVER caught on a fishing line and pole they were just given as a part of the days events. Or even Mom who came along to witness the big event... I know this enjoyment because I have seen it first hand. This Rocks....... to see the future of fishing and the outdoors come to life in front of your very own eyes. Fishing for life is a quality year round organization the blossoms into kids lives when the water turns soft again... The Money raised is an awesome tool for the partner churches of the city of Minneapolis, able to reach into the lives of young people where they live and give them HOPE and something to live for.... Come along and we can do more...
Like I said Fishing for Life ROCKS.....!
Noble Handley, Volunteer
My family and I are probably one of the first volunteers Fishing for Life has had since they began in 2004. I have been to almost every event that they have had and never get tired of seeing the kids faces when they get to fish for the first time. More importantly to me though is the friends and "adopted" family that I have in my life now because of Fishing for Life. I NEVER grow tired of volunteering for them. Over the years I have pretty much moved to "behind the scenes" volunteering, but still get the chance to throw my line in the water, even though it is for kids!. They are always trying to improve Fishing for Life on ways to help kids the best they can. I will probably keep volunteering for Fishing for Life until I die or as long as they let me!
Caroline Gettz, Volunteer
Ever since I started Fishing for Life my family and I have had a great time volunteering. I remember one time when I was volunteering for Fishing for Life all the inner city kids fished for the first time. Watching the smiles from those kids lighted up my world. I never thought I would see kids be so happy in my entire life for something so simple or that it could make such a change in them. One of my favorites about Fishing for Life is kids helping kids because I never thought I could do it. I thought it would take so much effort into doing work for Fishing for Life but it turned out to be a lot of fun.
