ALEXANDRIA — It’s that time of year again – the Fishing For the Cure Ice Fishing Tournament . The 16th annual event is set for this Saturday, Feb. 18.
The tournament, which runs from noon to 3 p.m., will take place on Smith Lake, just off of Smith Lake Road Southeast and County Road 82.
Hosted by Alexandria Industries , the fishing tournament raises money for Relay for Life of Douglas County . All proceeds from the tournament go to the American Cancer Society event.
In fact, the employees of Alexandria Industries raised more money for the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life than any team in Minnesota – including the biggest ones, according to a news release from Alexandria Industries.
Named Minnesota’s 2022 Top Fundraising Team, employees raised $115,000 for the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life – with most of the money coming from the Fishing for the Cure Ice Fishing Tournament.
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The team also ranked as the second largest fundraiser in the North Region and #18 in the nation, earning the Nationwide Team of Excellence and Top Team in the North Region awards. The team receives fundraising support from many volunteers, and massive generosity from event sponsors, community members, family and friends, organizers said.
“I have watched our employees grow their fundraising from $600 bucks to $115,000,” said Tom Schabel, Alexandria Industries CEO. “The work they do to generate support, gather volunteers, encourage participation and increase donations, shows what it means to give your heart to something bigger than yourself. They are a true inspiration for people fighting cancer. These awards will simply give them more resolve to keep going until cancer is cured.”
Inspired by a small group of Alexandria Industries employees, Fishing For the Cure is about everyday people making a difference in the fight against cancer. At its first event held in 2007, 112 people fished and raised $620.
During the 2022 tournament, 1,358 people participated, including 256 children 12 years of age and younger. Altogether, the event raised $93,700 for the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life.
The goal for this year’s event is to raise $100,000. The Fishing For the Cure event has generated nearly $500,000 in donations to help find a cure for cancer since its inception.
Tickets for the Fishing For the Cure tournament can be purchased at several locations, including Alexandria Industries, Christopherson Bait Shop, Elden’s Fresh Foods and Paul’s Small Engines, all in Alexandria, and The General Store in Osakis. They are also available online through Thursday, Feb. 16.
Tickets will be available to purchase on Smith Lake the day of the event.
Prizes will be awarded for the top 100 fish by largest weight and time registered in two categories — top 50 for large fish, including walleye and northern; and top 50 in small fish, including crappie, sunfish and perch. In the event of a tie, the first fish registered takes priority.
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Special prizes will be awarded to all kids 12 years of age and younger who are entered in the tournament.
Anglers can fish anywhere on Smith Lake and the tournament does allow fish house shelters. Participants must observe all Minnesota fishing rules and regulations. And, this is a mandatory catch and release tournament.
For more information, visit the tournament’s website, fishingforthecure.net, or check the event out on Facebook .
The Trust Project
