F.I.S.H. receives check from Bert’s Redfish Challenge
Dianne Higgins, president of F.I.S.H. (Fellow Islanders Sending Help), received a check for $4,840 from the proceeds of Bert’s Redfish Challenge. The challenge was held Saturday, Oct. 18.
“This is the 8th year of Bert’s Redfish Challenge,” organizer Jason Snyder said. “We started the challenge in 2009 when a fellow fireman, Assistant Chief of Fort Myers Fire Department Pete Gee, came down with cancer. The first challenge was called ‘We’re Fishing for Pete’s Sake’ and we raised money for Pete’s medical expenses and living costs. Sadly Pete passed away the following year.”
In 2010, the 2nd annual Bert’s Redfish Challenge was held to benefit a Pine Island charitable organization.
“We decided on F.I.S.H. because they do such great work on the island,” Snyder said.
“F.I.S.H. was started in the early 1980s to provide transportation for people no longer able to drive,” Higgins said. “Over the years we’ve added lots of additional services. We provide respite for those caretakers who need to run errands. We also lend mobility equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, etc. We provide emergency assistance for rent, utilities and medical expenses, relief to non-paid, primary caregivers for 4 hours, once a week and lots more.”
“This was our biggest year ever with 35 teams so I’m very happy with the turnout this year,” Snyder said. “Bert’s provided trophies to the top 3 teams and fed everyone with their delicious fish fry. I am very happy to present this check to Dianne and F.I.S.H. for $4,840.”
“This goes a long way towards helping people on Pine Island,” Higgins said. “As you know, F.I.S.H. is funded only by donations and there is never a charge for any of the F.I.S.H. services. I want to thank Jason, Amanda, all of those who participated and, of course, Bert’s.”
“For those interested in participating in next year’s challenge, check us out at www.bertsredfishchallenge.com,” Snyder said.
For more about F.I.S.H., visit the website pineislandfish.org