RIPPIN' LIPS FOR RED

EXPERIENCE LIBERTY HILL

RIPPIN' LIPS

At 15 years old, Cade Riley, known as ‘Red’ to his family and many of his friends, left this world at God’s perfect time in September 2017. He was on the banks of the South Fork of the San Gabriel River en route to do what he loved most, fishing. To keep his spirit alive, Cade’s family created the Cade Riley Memorial Bass Tournament, also known as Rippin’ Lips for Red. “Cade had a passion for fishing, football, and lacrosse, and an incredible passion for the community of Liberty Hill. After his sudden death we created a memorial fund that gives grants to youth organizations and scholarships to seniors in his honor,” says Cade’s dad, Mike Riley.

In July 2022 a whopping 208 anglers geared up to fish at the fifth annual tournament on Lake Buchanan, all eager to reel in a prize-winning bass. The catch for this yearly event—besides the fish—is that all proceeds are donated to the memorial fund, and some of those funds are awarded on the spot and hourly as youth scholarships. The family also provides grants to local sports organizations and a solid pay-out for participants who land a big bass.

With live music, great barbecue and even better company, the tournament is so much more than just another fishing competition— it’s a party. “What I love the most about these tournaments is we have people out here fishing from age 8 to 80 and they all look like they are having the same amount of fun,” Mike says.

by Megan Diane Beatty photos courtesy Facebook/Cade Riley Memorial Bass Tournament

COMMUNITY IMPACT

The Riley family combines contributions from the fishing tournament with other fundraising efforts to build substantial scholarships, which will be awarded in the spring to members of Liberty Hill’s class of 2023. A testament to their hard work and affection for Cade, their payout in just the past two years is more than $40,000. “We choose our applicants based on legacy,” Mike explains. “We ask them about the legacy they are leaving in Liberty Hill and what legacy they are hoping to create in the future to change the world. Their answers are always impressive.”

To learn more about the Cade Riley Memorial Bass Tournament, scan the code or follow the event on Facebook. Mike plans to create multiple sponsorship opportunities before each tournament, and donations to the memorial fund are accepted year round.

Top: Amber Hunter, 2nd Place Overall Winner Middle: Cade Park received a $1000 scholarship Bottom: Jarrett Weimer, 1st Place Overall Winner

A big catch can land anglers the top prize while helping Liberty Hill ISD students and youth organizations. Grab your bait and fish for a cause!

CADE'S LEGACY

Mike hopes the community will continue to support its youth while enjoying the outdoors together. “The best way to support this mission is to come out and fish the tournament. We just want everyone to remember Cade’s love for this community. Together we can make Liberty Hill the best place to raise our kids.”

Cade’s legacy is reflected in many of the youth organizations in Liberty Hill, but what touches the Rileys most is the interest in and growth of the Liberty Hill Fishing Team. Thanks to Cade’s light and positive way of living life, this growing team of 7th through 12th grade boys and girls has become one of the biggest and most successful teams in Central Texas.

To join the Liberty Hill Fishing team, become a sponsor, or learn more about the group, visit their Facebook page or email them via libertyhillfishingteam@gmail.com.