Fishing tournament to benefit the needy
The banks of the Peabody Country Club lake will be the site of a fishing tournament Saturday. Seasoned fishermen, as well as folks who may have never cast a hook into the water, are invited to bring poles, bait, and lawn chairs to the country club and go after the biggest flathead or catfish in the lake.
The tournament is a fund-raiser for the Craig White Memorial for the Needy. White died in August 2000 from an accidental gunshot wound while camping at the country club and the fund was established in his memory.
White's mother, Pat Henderson, said of her late son, "When Craig died, his friends and family wanted to create some kind of memorial. The first thing that came to mind was a scholarship fund. Craig was always proud of his daughters' accomplishments in school, but he was never much of a student himself so that didn't seem to really be the way people would remember him."
"But he was always real good about helping someone who needed to get a bill paid or who was in some kind of financial jam," she added. "He was very generous that way."
White's family and friends felt that the fund would continue to help people in the same manner that White had always helped them.
"We don't publicize the amounts of money that are distributed," Henderson said. "Nor do we name the people that are helped. Some are down on their luck and no one wants to embarrass them. Plus, that is the way Craig did it. He helped someone and then just went on his way. No one ever knew but the person who received it."
The event is being sponsored by the Sons of the American Legion, Post 95, in Peabody.
The Peabody Country Club is a membership-only establishment. On Saturday, non-members may fish from the banks and, after the tournament, enjoy a complimentary barbecue and raffle of donated goods.
Tournament rules indicate that participants should be in two-person teams. Each team will be charged a $20 entry fee.
Teams should sign-in at 8 a.m. at the club house and must have a valid Kansas fishing licenses. Only flatheads and channel catfish will qualify (no bullheads) and only bank fishing will be allowed.
The weigh-in to determine the winners will be from 3:30 to 4 p.m. No late weigh-ins will be allowed.
Anyone wishing to fish elsewhere may participate, as long as they abide by the rules of the tournament and are on hand for the 3:30 weigh-in.
"Craig loved fishing and his favorite place in the summer was his camper at the country club," said his mother. "So the tournament combines some of his favorites. It will be fun and it's a good way to spend a day and help the community too."
For more information or to donate to the raffle or barbecue, contact Todd Henderson at 983-2451, Mark Levering at 983-2221, or Brett O'Dell at 983-2097.
