Thanks to all for making the P.I.E. Fishing Tournament and Derby a huge success!
To the editor:
A perfect day was enjoyed by the kids and community for the 18th Annual Pine Island Elementary School Fishing Tournament and Derby. Talk about coordination – great weather, kids, fishing, food, entertainment and community. It just doesn’t get any better. A special thanks to Lisa at Olde Fish House Marina for her continued support enabling us to enjoy a great location and facility to host this event – also to Earl, who makes the logistics of the derby possible. Thanks to JD and Audry from the Waterfront restaurant for preparing the fish for the fish fry and burgers and hot dogs for the kids meals – YUM on everything!
The Matlacha Hookers would like to extend their appreciation to all in our amazing community who made this event possible starting with the “Pledge of Allegiance” by P.I.E. Principal Steve Hook and Trailer Park Barbie’s tear-jerking rendition of the “National Anthem.” Also, a Hooker hug to all of our sister Hookers who worked together to make the day a huge success. We also want to say thanks for the muscle and help from the Mariners – Wayne Reed, John Allman, Steve Roya, Bill McKee and John Barone, and Boy Scouts – Mel Brinson, Jordan Hamilton, Noah Hamilton, Ed White, Johnny Nodal and Hunter Nodal-Rae.
In addition to those working the event, we also had an unbelievable showing of support from our local businesses, organizations and individuals. A sincere thank you for all your generosity to Cambio Dermatology, Stonegate Bank, Publix, Kiwanis, Illinois Tool Works Foundation, Val Ward Cadillac, Legion Riders, American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, Sons of the Legion, VFW Men’s Auxiliary, VFW Women’s Auxiliary, Elks, Pine Island Moose Lodge 1954, Pelletier Rickert Physical Therapy, J&E Tiki, LLC, Island Floors, Bobby Holloway Foundation, Matlacha Office Support Team Inc., Greater Pine Island Post 4353 VFW, Women of the Moose, Island Girl Fitness, Pine Island Pools, Gulf Coast Kayak, Bob and Annie’s Boat Yard, Woody’s Waterside, Trader’s Hitching Post Inc., Bert’s Bar, Micelli’s Italian Restaurant, Total Payroll Management, Little Lilly’s Island Deli, Castaways Realty Inc., Seven Seas Bait and Tackle, Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce, Dynamic South Inc., Palms Away, CSM George Brodsky Memorial Auxiliary Post 10127, Christy Michael Agency-Allstate, Tim Bikkering, JB Mattia Enterprises Inc, Melville Brinson Attorney, VanKirk brothers and Strange Arrangement, Lowe’s, Tito’s Vodka, Wild Child Gallery and the many generous Hometown Heroes who insured each and every child who wanted to fish was sponsored.
Because of the unbelievable response to our requests for donation for this event, please pardon me if I have mistakenly not included anyone. Know that the Matlacha Hookers and Pine Island Elementary School appreciates any and all who generously contributed.
Lorie Tidwell
Madam Thank Heaven for Eleven
Matlacha Hookers Inc.