Local public safety workers on Saturday presented $30,000 to three children in need from Long and Tattnall counties.
Allison Foster, Emma Goober and Micah Smiley each received a $10,000 check from proceeds raised through the Fishin’ For a Cure tournament.
The three children are fighting illnesses. Goober was born with a birth defect to her brain; Smiley is battling lymphoma; and Foster has pseudotumor/cerebral hypertension. In addition to their checks from the tournament, the children divided an additional $950 among them when tournament teams that won cash prizes returned their winnings. The winners were the team of Irbie and Charles Moody, and the team of Ronnie, Duck, Keith and Red DeLoach.
The event at Nobles Cabin on the Altamaha River was organized by the Long County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Public Safety Motor Carrier Compliance Division. Proceeds were raised through team entry fees and sponsorships.
LCSO Sheriff Craig Nobles, who is one of the fundraiser’s founders, said that the event is great community outreach and is enjoyed by all who participate.
“It’s just a fun time. Everyone who comes down here — both the adults and the kids — have a good time and they get to enjoy the Altamaha River, which is one of Long County’s best natural resources,” Nobles said.
The fishing tournament began at sunrise and ran until 6 p.m., when all of the panfish were weighed. Nobles said people from all over the state came out for the tournament; one team was from Hahira.
The top three teams won prize money, and the four children who caught the largest fish won tackle equipment.
After the fishing segment, participants and spectators sat down to enjoy a meal together and prizes were given out. Prizes included a Dorchester quail hunt, a Morgan Lake fishing excursion, a Jekyll Island getaway, a Yeti cooler, a Hewitt custom knife and Costa Del Mar sunglasses.
“I just want to thank all of the sponsors and everyone who helped in any way,” Nobles said. “These kids need some help, and I’m glad that we were able to do something for them.”