November 8, 2022- The Ike Foundation® has had a busy year of hosting several kids’ fishing events as well as donating to several kids’ fishing organizations across the country. While The Ike Foundation®’s mission is to introduce urban and rural children to the wholesome sport of fishing, we are also dedicated to instilling in them a love and respect for the outdoors. Conservation is a big part of that mission and with that in mind, The Ike Foundation® routinely stocks lakes in conjunction with their fishing events. Giving Tuesday and the #StockALake campaign gives us the opportunity to accomplish this goal in a much bigger way!
2022 Giving Tuesday Campaign
Started as a grassroots social media movement,
“Giving Tuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Since then, it has grown into a year-round global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.” “About Giving Tuesday.”
GivingTuesday, 27 Sept. 2022, https://www.givingtuesday.org/.
Giving Tuesday is officially the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving each year. This year that falls on Tuesday, November 29th but The Ike Foundation® is getting an early start and asks you to join them in celebrating this movement by donating to our #StockALake campaign. With your donations, The Ike Foundation® will be selecting and stocking two lakes with fish that have been carefully chosen based on the existing ecosystems in those lakes. This could include bass, bluegill, trout, etc. Donors are encouraged to recommend a lake they think would benefit from this program when they make their donation. Based on those suggestions, The Ike Foundation® will select the lakes and coordinate with that state’s Fish and Wildlife agency and a local hatchery. Please make your donation and recommendation here: #StockALake campaign
The Ike Foundation® College Scholarship Program
Each year, The Ike Foundation® provides scholarships to graduating high school seniors based on financial need, academic merit, and demonstration of involvement in community service and conservation. To date, we have awarded 24 students $62,500.00 in scholarships that assist graduating seniors with their tuition and associated expenses in pursuit of a 2 or 4-year degree from a college or university. Details and application can be found here: https://theikefoundation.org/forms-and-applications/scholarship-application/
The Ike Foundation® Scholarship Program is funded entirely by the Annual Scholarship Dinner. This is the premier social event of the year with 300 people in attendance. Please consider joining us and fellow supporters of The Ike Foundation® at this adult-only event on Friday, January 27th, 2023 at the Grove at Centerton in Centerton, NJ. There will be dozens of auction baskets with products from all your favorite fishing brands as well as some special baskets for the ladies. This year we’ve added more excitement with the addition of casino table games as well! Details and tickets are available here: https://theikefoundation.org/upcoming-events/the-ike-foundation-2023-scholarship-dinner/
Follow The Ike Foundation® on Facebook and Instagram @TheIkeFoundation and on Twitter @FoundationIke for additional details and updates on all of our programs and events.
The Ike Foundation® appreciates the generous donations from individuals and sponsors, including Toyota, Abu Garcia, Bass Cat Boats, Hobie, Yamaha, Flambeau, AFTCO, Pro-Guide, Rapala, Tackle Warehouse, Gumout and many more. A full list of sponsors can be found at https://theikefoundation.org/sponsors.
Founded in 2014 by professional bass angler Michael Iaconelli and his wife Becky, the mission of The Ike Foundation® is to get more kids fishing and in the outdoors, especially youth in areas where those activities are not readily available. We support youth fishing clubs, civic groups, and charitable organizations that promote the sport of fishing, the ecology of the outdoors, and the responsibility each person has to maintain our planet’s natural resources. The Ike Foundation® is approved by the IRS as a 501©(3) tax-exempt organization, and all donations are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law. The Ike Foundation® is a non-profit organization and all proceeds from events go to The Ike Foundation®’s mission. Tax-deductible contributions are welcome and can be made on the website via credit card.
