Make a Fish provides once-in-a-lifetime dream fishing adventures for those who suffer from long term life-threatening medical prognosis or disabilities. Through these adventures, and exposure to outdoor-minded people who care, the program instills a message of encouragement at a time when they need to know that hope does, indeed, exist.

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Mission:

We are a non-profit organization with a simple mission: To bring the fishing community together and provide the necessary support for those in our community who may be fighting a terminal disease, recovering from physical or emotional rehabilitation, such as an active or disabled veteran, or a child that may have a life-threatening illness and deserves to have a wish of a lifetime granted to them.

We believe that the sport of fishing has the potential to change lives and encourages our recipients to continue to fight their disease by allowing them to see a life outside of what they are currently experiencing. Whether it is a day of fishing, or a whole weekend, it makes a difference and will bring moments of joy and relief to them. We can’t cure an illness, make a disability vanish, or remove the daily stress someone is enduring. Our goal is simple, and it is to try to make one weekend a little better by taking them out on the water for some fun and fishing. The smiles and excitement on their faces when they catch their first fish (and their second, and their third....) is a wonderful experience and a memory that will last for years.

 

Vision:

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

It is this very message of hope that we seek to instill in those we help. We use fishing as an opportunity to expose them to the “...wonders of God…” that await them as they spend time in the outdoors, away from the sterile world of medical facilities, treatments, and hospital gowns, and spend time in the presence of The Creator who is the Author of real hope.

On each trip, they are surrounded by caring people who understand that they are often “…sick and tired of being sick and tired.” Several designated Make a Fish leadership team members accompany each group on trips. Our team members, outfitters, and local volunteers help to facilitate their dream experience through love and nurturing as they build strong personal relationships that are inevitably forged in the lodge or on the water. Hosts and volunteers often remain a part of their lives long after the dream trip has concluded.

As one volunteer eloquently stated, “We can’t change the whole world; but we can change someone’s whole world for at least a short period!”

 

How to Get Involved and Help Make a Fish:

A Make a Fish event doesn’t just happen by itself. Without the many hours of work and financial support from our dedicated volunteers, donors, sponsors, and fundraising events, our fishing events would never leave the dock. Make a Fish does not receive government funding, so we are grateful for the generosity of the many individuals and companies who support our mission.

 

Donations:

Make a Fish is a 100% Volunteer organization and has no paid staff or employees. Everyone who volunteers to help with an event is donating 100% of their time and talents. That also means that 100% of the donations we receive are put directly back into funding the events we host. All cash donations received go toward purchasing items for the recipients – lodging, guided trips, food, and swag bags. Make a Fish is a support program that is part of the Gulf Coast Lady Anglers, and a registered 501(c)3 organization. Your tax-deductible donations are always welcome and appreciated. Seeing the smiling faces will be the best "thanks" you will ever receive!

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Debbie May

Director Make a Fish

debbie-may@sbcglobal.net