siebler_custom_baits Posted September 29, 2004 Report Share Posted September 29, 2004 maybe change the charity every month? Id be happy to help organize and auction or whatever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Art Brush Posted September 29, 2004 Report Share Posted September 29, 2004 Jed and crew, Count me in as well. I think auctioning the tackle will be more helpful. We can have a better impact on one childs life or many. We can build a wheel chair accessable dock at a state park and have a sign near the dock with a brass plate that says: This dock was errected on "date" to bring more fishermen to the waters by Tackleunderground. Then list the names of the members that participated in the fundraiser. Here's a link to a manufacturer that builds wheelchair accessable docks. http://www.ezdocktexas.com/camps.html Jed you also mentioned "wheels and reels?" I'd like to hear more about that group. Markell I would think that quite a few fishing publications would also be interested in doing a write up. Just some thoughts. A trick I learned about marketing is how to get into publications for free. We need to do a press release write up and mail it out to every publication and news source that would be interested in free content. Including public radio and local news rooms. Editors are always looking for content to fill out their monthly publications. It has to be news worthy, informative and have a return contact to the TU. Perhaps there are a few TU staff writers that can collaborate a news write up. We could do this every month and save up to get a dock or make a larger cash contribution to an individual or a family. Who knows how much the first auction will yeild. For a schedule I propose we set a deadline for all tackle to be in by Oct 31st and release the info to the medias by Nov 1st. Announce the auction to be closed on Nov 31st and have the cash ready by Dec 1st. Just in time for the holidays. The cash can then be used for whatever is decided by TU members. Tight lines, Shawn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsworms Posted September 30, 2004 Report Share Posted September 30, 2004 Well I could be way off base here, but I was thinking Special Olympics would be kinda cool. There are probably thousands of charities, but this is the one that touches home with me. My son is an olympic swimmer, and a darn good one. I'm pretty sure he can swim faster than I can run. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodsac Posted September 30, 2004 Report Share Posted September 30, 2004 I think the Special Olympics is a great idea as well. I worked for a 'not for profit' organization for 5 years. Regardless of the event, the Olympics drew the biggest crowds, and demanded the most attention. The great thing about the Special Olympics is that these less fortunate individuals don't have to participate in the events (some of them are unable to). The entire operation is run with the help of persons with disabilities. Setting up chairs, refreshments, awards, everything that goes on behind the scenes to run any major event. I noticed there were lots of individuals that didn't participate in any other events, but they always looked forward to the Olympics. Because that's where their confidence was. Every year the Olympics raise more money then the prior year. Until recently. After '911' a lot of major contributors either withdrew or shortened their contributions due to the economy. At least that's their excuse. By us donating to an event like this, we would actually be helping lots of people with different disabilities. I don't know what kind of publicity TU would get out of it, but I don't think that's why anyone wants to do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RiverMan Posted September 30, 2004 Author Report Share Posted September 30, 2004 I like Shawn's (ArtBrush) idea about setting a date for an auction otherwise the months will come and go and we will be no closer than we were before. Nothing is "off base" Als, if the group here feels comfortable with the special olympic folks that's fine by me. Since we are tackle-builders though I do think it would be nice to focus our efforts on something a bit closer to our hearts...fishing gear, docks, etc. Lets continue to sit on this a bit longer and see what we can come up with. I have some feelers out and hope to present some options to you guys soon. Was on the water for 12 hours today chasing salmon....sitting here I can still feel the waves rolling underneath me, lol, strange. No hook-ups for me but my buddy got one that was 19.5pds, and we missed one monster slam. I have no idea how a salmon can slam a K-16 KwiKfish with two 3/0 trebles on it and never get touched, amazing. Jed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D.J. Posted September 30, 2004 Report Share Posted September 30, 2004 Count me in too :!: This is truly a great idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
basskat Posted September 30, 2004 Report Share Posted September 30, 2004 Riverman, if you're heading this thing up, create a poll. The charity with the most is the first we'll go with. I have no problems with any of them. I was an EMT at the special olympics as a volunteer and had a great time. Treated a few bumps and scrapes but was more than happy to volunteer. The next time it comes to our city I'll be the first to help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coley Posted September 30, 2004 Report Share Posted September 30, 2004 Count me in too!! Coley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IslandBass Posted October 1, 2004 Report Share Posted October 1, 2004 I don't yet have the experience and skills as many of you here and as a matter of fact, my first three minnow style lures were utter failures. I have had success with making poppers so I would be more than happy to make a few lures (as green as I am in luremaking) for any good cause the group supports here. Inexperienced I am, but count me in! I will watch posts on this thread closely. --IslandBass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckarren Posted October 1, 2004 Report Share Posted October 1, 2004 I have a couple of ideas of things we can do with the auction proceeds. (#1) We can have kids form selected groups. Like big brothers big sisters, make a wish, and any group that will permit us. Have the kids submit a little letter telling us why they would like to go fishing. Post all the letters on our web page up for a vote. The winners get a guide for a day fishing trip for them and 3 family members. (#2) Do the same thing but take it a little further. See if we could get a TV outdoors host to step-up to the plate. I know of two that more than likely would help us out. They have done shows in the past like this. We would likely just have to get them there and back home. (#3) Buy fishing gear and tackle for a place like big brothers big sisters, so that they have it and can take the kids out. One incentive we can have is the person that has the top sale $$ total from the auction get the chance to chose from the approved charity. And/Or the charities form his hometown. Or maybe the wheelchairs lift on the public dock of his choice. That would be great at a dock that I launch at. I have seen and helped an older man that is in a wheelchair. Help his two girls get him out of the boat and on the dock in the wheelchair. This is not easy, and would be impossible if it was a bigger boat. Jed, I love what you are doing. Let me know if you need any help, I love doing this! The last four years I helped and the past two years I ran our Duluth, MN Muskie Inc. chapter youth fishing outing. I will tell you this, that is the coolest thing you can do. This year I had a kid that had Muscular Dystrophy in my boat. (I sorry I just got a tear in my eye thinking about it, and the things he said to me. ) Fist off I had two kids in my boat and we caught 7 walleye that night. This kid caught the biggest fish from the group of 10 kids a nice 26? fish. After he caught that fish he turned and said, ?you are probable not having fun you have not caught a fish.? I asked him if he is having fun he told me, ?yes.? Than I told him, ?I beet you he is not having as much fun as I? am.? I would give up any fishing trip if I could take a kid like this out. I get so much more thrill in watching someone like this catch a fish. I would have to put it up there with catching your personal best. Thanks all of you -Corey PS. Jed, count me in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RiverMan Posted October 1, 2004 Author Report Share Posted October 1, 2004 Corey, Thanks for the list of ideas, you came up with some very good suggestions. I feel just as you do about helping kids catch us a fish...kids rule! And whether we realize it or not, by taking a kid fishing we are not only bringing joy into that child's life but also investing in the future of the sport we all so much enjoy. Kids grow up, well except for me, and may eventually find themselves in a position where they will be asked to protect habitat for fish and wildlife on their own property. They will also be asked at some point to make decisions that may impact fish and wildlife. Kids that catch fish are going to realize that fish need habitat and fisherman need places to fish...this is a good thing! BassKat and others, I have mixed feelings about putting together a poll this soon soon as we really don't have anthing to vote on yet..do we? It seems we agree on wanting to do something for kids but beyond that we lack confirmed donor recipients. I am open to all suggestions though guys, who we give the money to and exactly how we generate these dollars will be decided in this forum. I have written several potential sources and have yet to get any responses. I will follow up on these in the next couple days and report back ASAP. Til then if anyone has a suggestions please speak up. Jed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weighinalimit Posted October 4, 2004 Report Share Posted October 4, 2004 I know it's awhile till this event comes around(usually held early July) but I know these kids would treasure ANYTHING given to them. Each summer there is a week-long camp sponsored in part by the Oklahoma B.A.S.S. Federation for children from Oklahoma Children's Hospital. All are being treated for serious life threatening diseases, some terminal with no real hope of recovery. The final weekend of camp, bass fishermen from clubs all over the state come down to take out a counselor and 2 or3 children to fish for a few hours. I know these kids would love to get a little bit of hand made tackle as a "goody bag" , no matter what kind it was. Just thought I'd put this out there for consideration by all. The event is called Camp Cavett, and if the moderators would like more information on it, you can contact Gene Gilliland, senior fisheries biologist and club officer NOKC Bassmasters ggillokla@aol.com or by phone 405-321-8503 Thanks for your consideration, weighinalimit(Alan R. Ellis) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RiverMan Posted October 5, 2004 Author Report Share Posted October 5, 2004 Great lead Weighin, I will follow up with a phone call tomorrow and see if I can track anything down for us, thank you! I have had dismal success thus far finding sources for us to donate to guys. I have written several sources over the past week and have yet to have even one return email me! Over the wknd I followed up on several with phone messages, again no reply, sigh. I never would have guessed it would be so difficult to give something away! Anyway, I'm working on it still so please don't think I have dropped the ball. Until that time keep the ideas coming. jed www.bikinibaitcompany.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Posted October 5, 2004 Report Share Posted October 5, 2004 Hi Guy's, Count me in. Just a thought,. Basskat mentioned the St. Jude Tournament and the Memphis Club that runs it. Usually a tournament of this type and size has a dinner or some type of meeting prior to the tournament. If the tackle were to be turned over to the people running the tournament, the tackle could be either auctioned or sold to the fishermen and anyone else involved in the tournament. If the tournament draws 300 boats, you can figure that to be 600 fishermen as well as support personnel, wives, friends. When all is said and done, you could have close to 800 or more customers who should be happy to purchase custom tackle for a good cause. Joe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaPala Posted October 5, 2004 Report Share Posted October 5, 2004 Rivrman: Like I've mentioned b4, why don't we get the ball rolling by securing donations/funds first. Who to give to can come later. I think it better that we already have something to give in hand rather then having reciepients with us having nothing to give. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
basskat Posted October 5, 2004 Report Share Posted October 5, 2004 Joe, you are correct. They have a pre-tournament meeting the day before the tournament followed by a benefit BBQ. At least one member from each team is required to attend the meeting. They auction off different items during the BBQ, sell t-shirts, etc.. Something of this nature could be easier on everyone involved. We'd just have to get the baits to the club running the event. They would do the rest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RiverMan Posted October 5, 2004 Author Report Share Posted October 5, 2004 Lapala brings up a good point, maybe we should just go forward and worry about the charity recipient later? BassKat, Joe, others, The St. Jude concept sounds fine to me and is in-line with the interests of folks here to "help children". My only comment would be that it looks like they (St. Jude) receive some very large amounts (10 million from ESA in 2004 alone, http://www.esaintl.com/news/dynamic.cfm?id=227) of contributions through charities and fund-raisers already and dollars coming from TU would be a relatively "small" addition. Don't get me wrong, I think this is a very "worthy" cause but at the same time I personally feel it would be nice to see our relatively "small pot" of contributions result in something tangible....something we can see rather than tossed into a large pile of existing charity dollars. For example helping one bass club take some less fortunate kids fishing. Maybe help a public park build an access site for handicapped kids..something like this. The St. Jude process would certainly be an easy thing for us to participate in though, we would simply have to make sure the donated items from TU Members arrived in time for the auction and it's a done deal. How do others feel about this idea? Jed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Posted October 5, 2004 Report Share Posted October 5, 2004 Jed, I understand what your saying. I agree with starting to aquire donations ASAP. I guess your right about St. Jude and their other fund raisers. What if we located one family for TU to adopt or maybe a couple who gives their time to a group home or such. I'm sure any donation would be very usefull to them as well as appreciated. The only draw back to that, as I see it, would be the extra work involved in converting our donations to cash. I guess we could still have an auction and maybe contact some of the larger bass clubs and sell lures at their meetings or weigh ins.Are their any sportsman shows comming up in any areas where a booth space could be donated to TU and the lures sold at the show??? When and where should we send our lure donations??? In addition to donating our custom baits, if the rest of you are like me, you aquire a lot of different baits at tournaments and weigh ins and gifts as door prizes. I just gave a box of these type baits to a local radio station for use as give aways at a childrens cancer fund raiser. Just another idea. Joe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glaucus Posted October 6, 2004 Report Share Posted October 6, 2004 This is just a suggestion, but how about the Future Fisherman Foundation's Fishing Tackle Loaner project http://www.futurefisherman.org/programs/ftlp.php I?m sure they would accept any tackle donations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RiverMan Posted October 6, 2004 Author Report Share Posted October 6, 2004 I think it would be fun to have an online auction here at TU if at all possible. We could simply put up items in this forum with a closing date and let the bidding begin. This would be a whole lot of fun and perhaps bring some folks to this site that haven't been here before. This of course would depend upon an "ok" from Jerry. After that perhaps we could have another through Ebay. Depending on how much money we have been able to raise we can then decide what to do next. Glaucus, I haven't heard of this group, looks to be a great idea! Gotta go. Jed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cullin8s Posted October 6, 2004 Report Share Posted October 6, 2004 ebay might get more looks and a link to TU in the ad would get the new people here to look around. Of course its all up to the big man. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fat Ratz Posted October 7, 2004 Report Share Posted October 7, 2004 Hey guys, just had time to read thru this post and sounds like a great idea. I'll be glad to donate some lures for the auction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RiverMan Posted October 11, 2004 Author Report Share Posted October 11, 2004 Well my computer completely "died" Friday so just now getting back to this thread. For some reason while I was downloading the new MS Service Package my machine froze up and wouldn't go any further! Anyway, I'm disappointed that I have yet to be able to find a good source for us to donate our efforts to...we have had some good suggestions but it doesn't sound like we have settled on anything as a group. I guess there really isn't a "big hurry" at this point but at the same time I would like to keep our momentum going foward. I know we can start to raise the money without a source but I think it would be alot easier (and exciting) if we could identify exactly where the dollars were going before asking guys to "cough of the goods". So at this point please continue to give the concept some thought and come forward with any suggestions you might have. Thanks! Jed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jigjointer Posted October 16, 2004 Report Share Posted October 16, 2004 Okay here is my tuppence on this. There's the old saying Charity begins at home and TU is fast becoming my second home lots of good people here. There's a guy who's always contributing with posts and things and I here he has a son who could do with a bit of sponsering seems he swims.What do you all think ????? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
funny farm Posted October 16, 2004 Report Share Posted October 16, 2004 I have run auctions for charity through a company called mission fish in which i am regisered with . They are neat cause they have 100's of charitys in from which you can choose from . the last one I did was benifiting childrens hospice foundation . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
