FGCU FISHING INVITATIONAL

SUPPORTS THE JESSE M. WOODYARD SCHOLARSHIP

Written by: Kaitlin Danks

The smell of salty sea air and the sound of waves lapping at your boat would be your Saturday morning on April 29.

Kick back with your friends in a new T-shirt, open a case of beer donated by Suncoast Beverages, and compete to win cash prizes sponsored by Fifth Third Bank.

After a day on the water and great fishing, you’ll be celebrated at the FGCU Water School during the awards ceremony and catered dinner and have the opportunity to bid on exclusive silent auction baskets.

Sounds interesting but it gets better as proceeds benefit a scholarship fund for Florida Gulf Coast University students

HONORING JESSE’S MEMORY

On March 11, 2014, Jesse Woodyard unexpectedly passed away and left behind his passion to advocate for our southwest Florida environments. He was always out on the water, exploring, fishing and learning about the ecosystems that are so unique to our region.

To honor his memory, Florida Gulf Coast University will host its 10th Annual FGCU Fishing Invitational, where

This event is an opportunity for FGCU students and alumni to come together to celebrate each other in fellowship and fishing.

THIS EVENT WAS STARTED BY STUDENTS AT FGCU WHO FISHED WITH JESSE EVERY DAY.

proceeds benefit the Jesse M. Woodyard Scholarship Fund for Marine and Ecological Sciences. There’s a Captain’s Pickup Party that Friday evening.

A Woodyard family spokesperson says of the event: “Jesse was a beloved son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin, uncle and friend. He will long be remembered for his sense of humor, his caring nature, fierce loyalties and his infectious smile. By keeping Jesse’s legacy alive through the FGCU Fishing

Invitational, his family hopes to remind every FGCU student to drink responsibly. We pray this annual event will provide an opportunity for FGCU students and alumni to come together to celebrate each other in fellowship and fishing. By doing so we will live out Jesse’s dream to help preserve the Florida environment on his behalf.”

This event was started by students at FGCU who fished with Jesse every day. It has grown into one of the largest signature

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events that the FGCU Alumni Association hosts each year. Supporting this event means you are supporting the future changemakers and educators graduating from FGCU who are looking to better our natural areas and waterways and educate others on how to coexist with nature.

Each year students, alumni, friends and family of Jesse — and supporters of conservation and environmental education — come together to remember who he was, what he stood for, raise money for a scholarship that is changing student lives.

And FISH!

Feel the sunshine on your face and the tug of a big catch on the end of your line this April. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to support students learning how to help our ecosystems.

Not sure you can fish but still want to help? Consider donating a silent auction item to be featured online April 24-29. It’s a great way to showcase your business and products.

Thinking something bigger? Sponsorships are available and can provide you with amazing perks to market your business to over 40,000 FGCU alumni.

Registration is now live. Boat entry for a team of two anglers is $250, with each additional angler at $75. There is a 50-boat limit.

Help the FGCU Alumni Association reach our goal of $30,000 for the 10th Annual Fishing Invitational. See you on the water! FCM

Roundup

Registration link: fgcufishinginvitational.com

YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=R2PNViS-1s8/

WHEN AND WHERE:

Friday, April 28

3-6 p.m., Captain’s Pickup Party at Florida Gulf Coast University

6 p.m., Virtual Captain’s Party on Facebook Live

Saturday, April 29

7 a.m., Honor start 4 p.m., Last call for submissions

5 p.m., Awards reception at the Water School at Florida Gulf Coast University

General and Donation and Sponsorship Information:

Kaitlin Danks, Business Development Manager-FGCU 239-590-1016, kmdanks@fgcu.edu