On November 11th , Veterans Day 2012 The Fishermen’s Conservation Association (FCA) will host its first ever “Heroes Homecoming Cup” catch & release fishing tournament in partnership with The Beach Haven Marlin & Tuna Club. The FCA is no stranger to hosting returning Veterans and Wounded Warriors. In fact this years Manhattan Cup was sponsored by a group of Wall St insiders called the “Friends of the Wounded Warriors” so it only seems natural to host a “Veterans Only” tournament, and no other venue seemed more fitting than the historic fishing club.
This event sprang from an idea FCA Chairman and Guides Secret owner Capt. Frank Crescitelli, had after a promotion run by Pro Staff member Dante Soriente went better than expected. Using social media and popular fishing forums Stripers Online (www.stripersonline.com) and The BassBarn (www.thebassbarn.com) Dante engaged almost 100 people who purchased Guides Secret lures. Companies like CTS Rods, Canyon Reel, East Coast Hooked and more donated tackle from their own companies as well.
The tournament format is that captains and guides will donate their boat and expertise to host the Vets on their boats. The Vets, just returning home from overseas will be provided a bus to take them from Walter Reed Hospital to Long Beach Island, NJ, where the fun starts. General Valcourt will escort the soldiers to LBI, and Special Forces and Purple Heart recipients will also join us who are still in active duty. A welcome dinner Saturday night kicks off the tournaments festivities. Fishing starts Sunday morning ending with a wrap up party and awards ceremony Sunday afternoon at the BHMTC.
With the generous support from Guides Secret, Phil Hiller, and Damien Romeo the team is on its way in getting the tournament sponsored one piece at a time by reaching out to companies and individuals to step up and donate to help make a difference. When individuals and companies have the opportunity to sponsor a part of the tournament, like the bus to ride for the Vets or hotel rooms for them and their spouses it’s definitive, targeted, and measurable in a way that supports the cause, which is getting returning vets back into the good things in life, Outdoors, Family & Fishing. For many the athletic part of fishing can help to bolster their recovery serving as a form of therapy. It also gives us the opportunity to say “Thanks” to these brave soldiers who risked it all.
For More Information:
Capt. Frank Crescitelli
917-468-4817
frankfinchaser@gmail.com
Mark Mead
917-538-7241
mark@reeltide.com
Dante Soriente
862-703-1895
Dante@equitysource.com
