HARWICHPORT – The Big 3 Fishing Tournament, held earlier this month, raised over $380,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cape Cod and The Islands.
The one of a kind event has raised just under $2 million since its inception, helping to drive the strategic growth of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cape Cod and This Islands.
The event was held at Wychmere Beach Club in Harwich Port and consisted of the fishing tournament, a cocktail reception, dinner, and a live auction at the beach.
More than 300 people were in attendance with over 50 boats heading out from various points.
The 2019 Tournament winners were Shawn DeLude, Mike Robinson, Anthony Barone and Chris Kennedy aboard “Trashy Thoughts Too” with a 408 pound tuna, Carl Riedell and crew aboard “Stray Cat” with a 15.5 pound striped bass, and Michael Rivard on “Excavator” with a 9.8 pound bluefish.
In addition, the yearly Battle of the Badges competition was won by Enrique Ariscue aboard “Finatic” with an 8.6 pound bluefish.
“My sincere thanks for the 6th year of this awesome tournament to help serve even more kids in our program,” said JR Mell, Regional Director of BBBS of Cape and The Islands.
“This event brings together a love of fishing and our community, all while making a direct impact on the Cape and Islands and the kids we serve. I am so thankful to the Big 3 committee, co-chaired by E.J. and Terry Jaxtimer and Jeff Leerink, for their hard work to make this such a success.”
This year’s event recognized some of the agencies long-time supporters.
Bob Epstein was presented with the Leadership Award for his support of the tournament since its inception.
In addition, BBBS of Cape Cod and The Islands Leadership Council member, David McGraw, shared remarks on why the McGraw family supports the agency, noting that, “The reasons we are all put on this earth are to help our brothers and sisters who can’t help themselves, and that is why we are such strong supporters of BBBSCCI.”
The year’s speaking program featured BBBS of Cape Cod and The Islands very own Big Brother, Bob Schulte, who was also recognized as the Massachusetts Big Brother of the year.
Bob shared with the audience his seven year match with his Little Brother Sean, a rising junior from Barnstable and childhood cancer survivor.
The night wrapped up with the Grab Brothers taking the stage and rocking the tent until closing.
With the help of the Big 3 Fishing Tournament, BBBS is on track to serve over 450 kids by 2022.
If you are interested in learning more about volunteering for the BBBS of Cape Cod and The Islands, or making a donation, visit www.capebigs.org.
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