Archive
Fall Bass Benefit Tournament
2010
2009
1st Benefit Tournament Raises Almost $2,000 For Morris Family
Dunlap And Blake Take Top Spot
Sept 19, 2009
Although the turnout for the 1st Annual Fall Bass Benefit Tournament was a bit of a disappointment for organizers, a dedicated group of anglers managed to raise nearly $2,000 for the wife and family of Charles Edward Morris, a long time friend of many and an ever-present angler on the Yadkin River waters. Lake Tillery was Morris' favorite pond, thus the event was staged at Cook's Marina a mile off Highway 24/27.
Two of the most-popular bass fishing groups on the Yadkin Chain gathered together in early August to coordinate and organize the fall event. The Yadkin One-On-One Series, directed by Jason Poindexter and Jimmy Sanders, and the Adam & Eve Tournament Series, directed by Ricky and Sherry Clark spearheaded the effort in order to raise funds for the family. Included in organization efforts besides the series' directors Clark, Poindexter and Sanders, were Marty Williams, Jim Kerney, Dave Motes, Ronnie Saunders, and Gene Hardister.
Sixteen boats took on the waters beginning at 7 AM and fished until the 3 PM weigh in. Pre-registration was staged the evening before at Cook's Marina. “We were hoping for at least 50 boats, if not nearly 100,” stated a disappointed Sanders. “But raffle ticket sales this past month have been great and that really added up.” A Shimano rod and reel was raffled off at the end of the event as a first place prize. Wayne Lawson was the lucky winner for that prize. A second-place $50 cash prize went to Teddy Starnes.
A barbeque lunch and after eats were provided by Jimmy and Pam Kerney and Dave Motes. The Kerneys donated all proceeds of the feeds as well as sales of 2 pound bags of barbecue to the benefit. In all $314 was raised by those three alone.
On the fishing side of the house, Buzz Dunlap and Bennie Blake claimed top honors at the scales. The pair found 15 pounds 6 ounces of bass to win $240. Second spot went to Marty Williams and Gene Hardister who netted 9 pounds 13 ounces. They earned $160 for their efforts.
The final paying spot went to Dwayne Saunders and Scott Threadgill. That team caught 9 pounds 8 ounces of fish and accepted the $80 prize money. Sammy Greene caught the lunker for the day, a 4 pound 11 ounce fish worth $160. Greene fished with Ronnie White.
In all $1,870 was handed over to Ginny Morris after a variety of door prizes were handed out to everyone who fished in the event. Morris, tears in her eyes, stated, “This is so much. I never would have thought...” She never finished, feeling overwhelmed by all the efforts of her late-husband's friends.
“We learned a whole lot after putting on our first big event,” stated Jason Poindexter. “I can't begin to thank all the businesses and individuals who gave us prizes. These folks really helped us make this a special event for everyone who participated.” In all, thirty eight ramp prizes were given, including fishing gear, tools, clothing, and a variety of hats and coolers. As pack up and cleaning up began, those who helped with organization efforts were already talking about a spring benefit and how they'd do it.