ARNOLD – “Heaven’s Anglers,” a Christian fishing club, has found a way to help children while promoting their sport. On May 31, Heaven’s Anglers will hold the 12th annual “Help a Child” Charity Fishing Event at Mark Twain Lake in northeast Missouri.
“We’ve designed an event to share God’s Word and to fish,” said Gary Hollern, president of Heaven’s Anglers and member of First Baptist Church, Arnold, “all while fundraising for children.”
The charities helped by the fishing event are the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home (MBCH) and Kids against Hunger. According to Hollern, Heaven’s Anglers has ties to both organizations.
“We have members who have relationships with both groups,” Hollern said. “We realize that MBCH does so much for the community and we want to give back. MBCH works to stop human trafficking as well as helping young mothers come to terms with the means to keep their children.”
Hollern went on to explain that as the father of five children, he understands the importance of these needs.
Several of the members of Heaven’s Anglers are going to Haiti to help the children. “They will actually pack the food,” Hollern said, “and go to Haiti to make sure the schools get the food.”
Hollern and the Club members are optimistic about their goal of $5,000 for the children because of the growth in sponsors. “We have 20 new sponsors this year,” Hollern said. “Many professional fishermen and companies have given us wonderful things for the silent auction and the online auction.”
The fishing event requires an entry fee of $75 for each single division, with discounted fees for the second and third divisions added. The check-in will be held Friday, May 30, from 3-10 pm at Country Inn Resort, just off highway EE at Mark Twain Lake. Fishermen will receive their launch number, tournament rules sheet, weigh-in times and final directions from the tournament director.
Following the time on the water on Saturday, the group will serve a fish fry and BBQ at 154 Marine which is included in the entry fee. During the fellowship dinner, participants will be able to take part in a silent auction and to listen to speaker Mike Maxwell, author of Combat Christian and Combat Christian Marriage. Maxwell is also president and founder of Kido defense systems; World Martial Arts Hall of Fame inductee; United States Army Special Operations close-quarter combat instructor; and a decorated 16-year veteran police officer.
More information and registration is available online at www.heavensanglers.com. Also, May 1, the online auction will be launched. The event silent auction and online auction will include rods, reels, pro-autographed jerseys, tackle, electronics and more. In addition, Gary Hollern can be reached for questions at 314-420-2470.