08 Aug 2017 Fishin’ for a Mission helps food ministry

The Third Annual Fishin’ for a Mission Benefit Bass Tournament recently raised more than $3,500 to help alleviate hunger in the Conway area.

The tournament was held in April at Beaverfork Lake near Conway.

“Brian and I founded the Fishin’ for a Mission Benefit Bass Tournament as a way to raise money for other local charities of our choosing,” said co-director Amanda Parsons. “Because of my experience with Soul Food Cafe Mission over the last few years, we have chosen them as the recipient each year.”

This year’s tournament had 31 teams competing for $2,500 in cash.

“Collectively, they weighed in over 300 pounds of bass caught in Beaverfork Lake,” Amanda said.

The winning team, Matt Butler and Chad Pitts, snagged first place with a total weight of 21.46 pounds. David Dam and Ed Hendricks won the Big Bass prize with a 6.40 pound fish. 

During the awards ceremony, contestants, family and friends gathered to enjoy food provided by Simmons Band grill, Smoothie King and Julie’s Sweet Shoppe while other prizes were given away. 

“For our third year, we raised $3,545 for Soul Food Cafe Mission,” Amanda said. “The money will go toward the HVAC system to help complete the new (Soul Food) building on South Donaghey. We were thrilled with the turnout, as well as the quality of fish that Beaverfork Lake continues to produce.”

Soul Food Café was created about 16 years ago and provides about 300 food boxes each Tuesday and serves about 300 plate lunches.

“We are amazed and humbled by the support we receive from our local community like Nabholz, Cintas, Smith Ford, Tornado Shelter Systems and H2:4 Outdoors, just to name a few.” 

Next year’s tournament will be held Saturday, April 28. 

For more information, including photos and tournament results, visit fish4amission.com