LANCASTER, Pa. —
The first annual Clear Water for Heroes Fishing Tournament was held May 17 at the J. Edward Mack Scout Reservation in Elizabeth Township.
The fundraiser, benefiting veterans, was organized by 9-year-old Case Baccio, a third grader at Bucher Elementary School.
“I know most of my friends like to fish so I thought, why not do a fishing tournament?,” Case said.
He got the idea after attending the Warrior Weekend to Remember, an event to create meaningful experiences for veterans, Purple Heart recipients and the families of fallen veterans. Non-profit Blue Skies for Good Guys and Gals organizes the five-day event, which includes activities like skydiving and hot air balloon rides.
Case watched veterans bond throughout the Warrior Weekend to Remember.
“It had a big impact on me because I had never been around veterans before or wounded people,” he said.
“I saw the impact it had on him at the Warrior Weekend To Remember last July,” said Eric McCullough, a veteran and boyfriend of Case’s mom. “We came back—I think it was August or so—he’s like, ‘I want to do a fundraiser.’”
Case came up with the idea of a fishing tournament and began to plan it.
Adults competed in the morning and kids competed in the afternoon for cash prizes. A raffle was also held.
Case’s friends who attended took different strategies to reel in the heaviest fish.
“I normally just use a lure,” said third grader Carter Yates.
“I’m using “Gulp!” worms,” said third grader Gavin Mathews.
The boys said they were glad to see each other for the first time since school shut down in March.
Any time you can support our vets, and especially getting the kids outdoors to do it, it’s always a plus,” said Dave Mathews, a fisher at the event and currently active duty in the military.
Turnout was lower than originally expected because of the COVID-19 pandemic, McCullough said. The event still raised at least $4,000, enough to sponsor one veteran at this year’s Warrior Weekend to Remember, scheduled for July in Middletown, Ohio.