Another successful year!
To the editor:
The Matlacha Hookers extend a sincere thank you to all that attended the 2012 Pine Island Elementary Fishing Tournament & Derby. Our success would not have been possible without the support from our artists, businesses, service organization and members of our community.
Thank you our sponsors that help us get this event off the ground each year: Bert’s Bar, Little Lilly’s Deli, Miceli’s Restaurant, Monroe Canal Marina, Seven Seas Bait and Tackle, Shallow Bait, The Boat House, Total Payroll, Traders Hitching Post, WildChild Gallery and Woody’s Waterside. And a heartfelt thank you goes to the Matlacha Mariners for sponsoring the tent this year!
The children were absorbed all day fishing, painting, crafting jewelry and paper hats. Thanks to JD Holoway at the Waterfront Restaurant, all of the children enjoyed a hearty lunch. Adult fishermen reported that the water and tides were ideal and proudly displayed their catch. Weigh master Phil Russo shared that many donated their catch to the fish fry. Congratulations to all that received recognition for the catch!
Music filled the air thanks to Molly Brown and her crew. Thank you to Redemption, Soapbox, Trailer Park Barbie, Sand Fleas and Ground Zero for donating your talents.
Our very own Hooker, Melva Wilzbach’s original quilt, and Honorary Hooker Cast Net Steve’s cast net were once again hits all on their own. Between the silent auction and Chinese auction, the competition was exciting as there were hundreds of items to choose from. Items were featured from almost every business in Matlacha and on Pine Island. Many businesses from Cape Coral, North Fort Myers, Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach were represented, as well. For fear of missing just one name, please know that your donations and support were greatly appreciated. Our members support those businesses and organizations that support us; and the winners do too!
To all of our volunteers, job well done! It was quite obvious that the Matlacha Hookers do have fun at everything that they do.
Lisa and the crew at Olde Fish House were cheerful, helpful and gracious at all times and truly gave us the run of the place; thank you.
Finally, very special acknowledgement goes to Meghan McCoy with the Eagle. Meghan, thank you for covering all aspects of our event.
Our members are truly dedicated to our community, and indeed strive to “Make a Positive Difference in Our Community” each and every day. The next time that you’ll see the Matlacha Hookers hard at work, will be Saturday, Nov. 17, at the 13th annual Southwest Florida Blues Festival hosted by the Matlacha Mariners. See you there!
Hookers Rule!
DJ Ruscik
Madam Dj Vu