Fishing for a cure date set

Town Crier News Staff

The second annual Fishing for a Cure is set for Saturday, Sept. 27, but those that want to order a tee shirt will need to do so now. This year's shirt is ash gray with navy blue and pink designs

The second annual Fishing For a Cure has been set for Saturday, Sept. 27, but now is the time to order tee shirts and donate items for the event's auction.

Fishing For a Cure will once again be held at Hoyt's Catfish Pond located between Cardwell and Arbyrd, Mo., on Highway 164. Thanks to the support that made last year's event a success, the second annual Fishing for a Cure has been set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 27 in order to kick off breast cancer awareness month.

Admission is $2 for adults while children under 16-years-old fish for free. Attendees, even those 16 and under, must keep what they catch and will pay $2 per pound. Like last year there will be food and drinks available for purchase with all the money raised going to Project Hope at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center.

"Project Hope is a foundation set up at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center that pays for mammograms for women and men that are in need of a mammogram but cannot afford it," Stacy Masters, one of the Fishing For a Cure organizers, said. "It is not just for people in Paragould, it helps people from across Northeast Arkansas and the Bootheel of Missouri so the money will stay local. To get a mammogram through Project Hope there is a form to fill out at the Arkansas Methodist Medical Center."

As plans are already in the works it is time for those that want to order a tee shirt to do so. Tee shirt orders will be taken through Aug. 22. The tee shirts are $15 for youth small to adult extra large, $17 for a 2XL, $18 for a 3XL and $19 for a 4XL. Those that want to purchase a tee shirt should send a check along with shirt size, number to order, and a phone number to arrange pick-up to Stacy Masters, 8422 County Road 626 Arbyrd, Mo. 63821. Please make checks payable to The Foundation/AMMC and write in the memo line FFAC shirt.

Fishing for a Cure organizers are excited about this year's event but auction items are needed.

"If anyone wants to donate an auction item we will gladly accept it," Masters said. "Last year we had gift certificates, movie passes, ducks unlimited pictures, door wreaths, toys and a gun. Just any items that would be good for an auction. The silent auction will last all day and bidding will end at 2 p.m."

To find out more about donating to the silent auction persons may call 870-239-7077. Like last year's event the Women's Council of Arkansas Methodist Medical Center will be on hand to help with the event and there will be honorary survivors as well. Masters explained that because event sponsors are from across the area so are the honorary survivors. This year's Fishing For a Cure honorary breast cancer survivors are: Tracy Rundel of Marmaduke, Linda Mason of Cardwell, Sherry Cagle of Leachville, Tabitha Neighbors of Kennett, Susan Hamrick of Senath and Destie West of Paragould.

Masters said she, along with her family, friends, volunteers and Arkansas Methodist Hospital, decided to host a second annual Fishing For a Cure because of the love and support the first event generated. Last year's Fishing For a Cure raised $8,000 and events organizers would like to meet or exceed that this year, but as Masters explained any help is appreciated.

"We had such overwhelming support from the community last year," Masters said. "We, of course, would like to exceed our total from last year, but if we raise money for even one mammogram we have been successful. Last year people fished in the pouring rain because they saw a need and wanted to bring awareness to this program and to breast cancer. We are hoping for better weather this year but will be there rain or shine to help this wonderful cause."