Monique Burr Foundation
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Nov.1, 2012) – More than $103,000 was raised during Monique Burr Foundation for Children’s 24th annual El Pescado Billfish Tournament, presented by Lexus of Jacksonville and Lexus of Orange Park, Oct. 18-20 at Camachee Cove in St. Augustine, Fla. Funds raised included a $25,000 donation from Children’s Safe Passage, $5,000 grant to implement Speak Up Be Safe in Nassau County from Comcast and $5,000 donation from the Red Coat Grant which will be used to implement the Speak Up Be Safe program for 5th graders in St. Johns County.
More than 96 anglers attended the event and 45 billfish were caught and released, with nearly $110,000 awarded in cash prizes. In conjunction with the tournament, the FISH-N-CHIPS Marina Casino event was held on Saturday evening and featured casino-style games as well as unique shopping opportunities from local artists at the “Tackle Box.” Proceeds from the event contribute to the foundation’s program, Speak Up Be Safe, a national bullying and child abuse prevention program that educates Florida’s teachers, students and parents on safety from all forms of child abuse, bullying and digital abuse.
“We are excited to announce the success of our 24th annual El Pescado Billfish Tournament which was made possible through all of the sponsors, participants, volunteers and friends who continue to support the Monique Burr Foundation,” said Ed Burr, who founded the organization in honor of his late wife, a passionate and tireless advocate for abused and abandoned children. “In particular, we are grateful to our title sponsors, Lexus of Jacksonville and Lexus of Orange Park, who came out to show their support.”
In the Standard Division, Outlaw captained by Neil Subin took first place. Second place was awarded to Bree captained by Kyle Laine and Wound Up captained by Eddie Wheeler came in third place. In the 40-foot and Under Division, first place went to Eco Fishing Team on Miss Emma captained by Danny Perna. Double Trouble captained by John Hulsey took second place, followed by Four Reel captained by Curt Englert for third place. Dennis Rosa, 2012 tournament co-chair, was nominated for the prestigious Chester H. Wolfe Sportsmanship Award, which is awarded based upon an act that demonstrates fair play, graciousness, respect and/or ethical behavior displayed while fishing in the tournament.
“I would like to congratulate all of our participants for their outstanding sportsmanship and involvement in this year’s tournament,” said Alan Ferguson, tournament co-chair. “More than $500,000 has been raised to prevent child abuse since the Monique Burr Foundation for Children began managing the tournament. It is a true honor to be a part of the success of this event and I look forward to continue the tradition with next year’s El Pescado Billfish Tournament.”
–– Source: Nathalie Lobefaro
