Media Information: Ron Ballanti UNITED ANGLERS SETS THE STAGE FOR 17TH ANNUAL FUNDRAISING DINNER AT HARBORSIDE PAVILION IN BALBOA May 18, 2008 Event Will Honor Bart Hall With Bill Ray Conservation AwardNon-profit organization United Anglers of Southern California (UASC) is putting the finishing touches on plans for its 17th Annual Fundraising Dinner, scheduled for Sunday, May 18 at the beautiful Harborside Pavilion in Balboa. The organization’s single biggest fundraising activity of the year and an annual “must-attend” event for angling enthusiasts and anybody in the Southern California sport fishing industry, this year’s dinner promises to deliver plenty of what guests want most — good food, great company and hundreds of valuable raffle and auction items. With the dinner returning to the Harborside Pavilion, you can add to this list fantastic ambiance and a marvelous waterfront view of Newport Harbor. This year’s dinner will honor Bart Hall, a man who can rightly be called the ‘Father of Family Fishing.” As head of the Fred Hall Fishing Tackle & Boat Shows, Bart has made entertaining families and teaching them about fishing and outdoor recreation his life’s work. Even though these shows take place in the spring each year, it’s a full-time, year-around job for Bart and his staff. Bart has always been actively involved on the conservation front, working closely with the fishing industry and serving for many years on UASC’s Board of Directors. Whenever there’s an event or activity affecting our marine resources and promoting the family fishing lifestyle, Bart is usually there, front and center. “I’m looking forward to presenting Bart with our Bill Ray Conservation Award, in front of fishermen and his industry colleagues,” said Tom Raftican, president of UASC. This award is the highest conservation honor bestowed by UASC, and goes each year to an individual for superior service to fisheries conservation and the recreational angling community. Recent recipients include Peggie Shedd of AFTCO (2007), Robert B. Treanor, retired Executive Director of the California Fish and Game Commission (2006), and hook-and-line commercial albacore fisherman Jack Webster (2005). “This recognition for Bart has been a long time coming. He has long been an eloquent spokesman for our marine resources, and a fine example of recreational fishing’s family legacy. This award is one small way we can say thanks to Bart on behalf of the industry and all fishermen in Southern California,” added Raftican. The event will begin at 3:30, ensuring ample time for socializing, cocktails and a delicious sit-down dinner before getting to the awards and other activities. For many, the highlight of the evening is always the fantastic array of raffle prizes offered, such as fishing tackle , jewelry, fishing trips, vacation packages, artwork and more. The Grand Prize will be a fantastic seven-day houseboat family vacation. There are also dozens of great items offered during live and silent auctions. Proceeds from the dinner, raffles and auction items go to support the year-around conservation activities of UASC. “This is our biggest and most important fundraiser of the year. With the MLPA process coming to Southern California later in 2008, it’s especially important this year for members and anglers from all over to come out and show their support,” said Raftican. Advance purchase tickets for this event are available for $85 per person. Interested parties should make reservations early by calling UASC headquarters at (949) 863-9447. Those not able to make the dinner can still win great prizes by pre-purchasing raffle tickets (winners need not be present). Raffle tickets can be purchased through the office — 5 for $20, 15 for $40 or 40 for $100. The Harborside Pavilion is located at 400 Main Street in Balboa. Updates on the event, including ticket information and directions to the site, will be available on UASC’s website at www.unitedanglers.com. |