Stamford (CT) Hooks for Heroes 4th Annual Fishing Tournament
Over $20,000 Raised for Wounded U.S. Vets & Their
Families in First 3 Years of Event
Some 200 participants are expected for the
4th annual Stamford (CT) Hooks for Heroes Fishing Tournament to
benefit wounded U.S. military veterans from the Walter Reed Army Hospital and
Connecticut veteran hospitals. The event has been scheduled
for Saturday, June 20, 2015 at the Halloween Yacht Club (HYC), 10 Seaview
Avenue in Stamford, Connecticut. There is an entry fee
of $35.00 per fisherman, which includes both breakfast and lunch.
This year there will be two competing
fishing categories, including: largest bluefish and largest bass by weight. The
largest bass last year was 36 pounds.
Since the 2012 inaugural Stamford Hooks for
Heroes event, this annual fundraiser has collected and donated over $20,000 for
U.S. veteran charitable causes. The 2014 tournament brought out over 100
competitors, including some 30 wounded veterans and their families for a day of
fun and fishing on the Long Island Sound.
Last year’s event concluded with a ceremony
recognizing the best catches of the day and a salute to members of the United
States Armed Services. Highlights of the day included a flyover by two
bi-wing aircraft honoring all the veterans; a Vietnam era Huey UH1 helicopter
flyover by the Stratford Police Department Search and Rescue team; a water
cannon salute by the Stamford Fire Department; Marine Division and the Stamford
Fire Department tower ladder draping a U.S. flag and the Stamford Police Honor
Guard.
“Being a veteran, I am proud of what the
Halloween Yacht Club and its membership have done in hosting and growing this
event. Now in its fourth year, its greatest impact is the smiles it
brings to the veterans and their families. Our goal this year is to increase
the number of veterans and fishermen participating, while also increasing the
annual contribution the event adds to the Operation Gift Card program,” said
Pat Buzzeo, chairman of the Stamford (CT) Hooks for Heroes fishing tournament.
All event proceeds will go towards gift
cards for the veterans and their families to use at the Walter Reed Army
Hospital Post Exchange (PX) and a mini-mall for veterans and their families to
purchase basic needs at the Army Hospital’s base. Operation Gift Cards
aids U.S. military service men and women receiving treatment at the Walter Reed
who incurred duty related wounds, injuries or illnesses on or after the
September 11, 2001 attacks on our nation.
The day will start with a pre-tournament
breakfast at 5:15am and post-tournament activities including lunch, awards and
more begin at 1:30pm at the Halloween Yacht Club. For more information about
the event please go to the HYC website http://hyc.net.
To register a boat team of fishermen,
please visit http://bit.ly/1MP6HNM or call
Pat Buzzeo at (203) 559-5205 for registrant or donation
information.
All entries by U.S. Mail must be received
by Friday, June 19, 2015. Sign up is also available at the Halloween yacht Club
in person on Wednesday, June 17th from 5:00-7:30 p.m. or until 6
a.m. the morning of the tournament. Please make all checks payable to
“Operation Gift Cards” C/O: Halloween Yacht Club, 10 Seaview Avenue, Stamford,
CT
06902.
PHOTO 1: The 4th Annual Hooks for Heroes Fishing
Tournament will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2015
at the Halloween Yacht Club (HYC), 10 Seaview Avenue in Stamford,
Connecticut.
PHOTO 2: The 4th Annual Hooks for Heroes Fishing
Tournament will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2015
at the Halloween Yacht Club (HYC), 10 Seaview Avenue in Stamford,
Connecticut.