The 8th ANNUAL BTB MAKO RODEO was held in Brielle, NJ on June 12th and 13th and for the eighth consecutive year, the Brett T. Bailey Foundation raised money for various local charities through fundraising efforts associated with this tournament. This year approximately $20,500 was raised and will go mostly to the State of New Jersey National Guard and Reservists, to financially assist those active individuals and families in need, who have decided to make the ultimate sacrifice, to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan, to preserve our way of life. The Foundation is also working with other local charities who will receive donations from money raised from this event, including Helping Hands for Jorge, http://www.helpinghandsforjorge.org, a private, non-sectarian independent non-profit corporation dedicated to providing the highest quality of life for Jorge Grajales an 12 year old boy from Panama who has no hands and no feet. Doctors in Panama amputated them when he was 14 months old in order to save his life after an infection cut off circulation to his limbs and gangrene set in. Helping Hands for Jorge, Inc. raises funds to support Jorge’s ongoing medical needs and also raises significant funds to support other children with similar medical/physical needs.
While the weather turned out to be perfect, the fishing was slow. No eligible makos were caught by the fleet of 41 boats participating, although several smaller fish were released and it is estimated that over 350 blue sharks were also caught and released. Three threshers were weighed and as per the tournament rules, if no eligible makos qualify, all the tournament prize money is awarded to the largest thresher. This year, $17,275 was presented at the awards dinner Saturday night at Simko’s Restaurant, to the crew of the ‘Benchmark,’ who landed a 366lb thresher. Other notable catches included a 260lb thresher caught by the ‘Kingfisher’ and a 185lb thresher weighed by the ‘American Mustang.’
The Foundation would like to thank Scott Wigert of the Brielle Yacht Club, Michael Simko of Simko’s Restaurant for their efforts, hospitality and support as well as FSI Webs, JD Design, Ocean Beach Marina, Promo Focus, Meritage Properties, The First Thursday Foundation, Henriques Yachts and Integrity Marine and all the people that participated in this weekend’s festivities. The money raised will hopefully make a difference in the lives of some of the many individuals serving our Country.
If you couldn’t participate and want to contribute to the foundation, contributions made to the Brett T. Bailey Foundation are tax deductible.
All funds received are held in safe keeping with and distributed by The Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund in accordance with strict Federal Regulation.
Donations can be made to
The Brett T. Bailey Foundation
5 Duncan Drive
Holmdel, NJ 07733
| ** Proceeds that go to the Brett T. Bailey Foundation will be used to provide scholarship funds to Institutions on behalf of individuals and families who have demonstrated personal sacrifice in their service to their Country, Community or Fellowman ** We are currently working with the State of New Jersey National Guard and Reservists, to financially assist those active individuals and families in need, who have decided to make the ultimate sacrifice, to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan, to preserve our way of life. For more information on the Brett T. Bailey Foundation, please contact: The Brett T. Bailey Foundation 5 Duncan Drive Holmdel, NJ 07733 Phone: (732) 772-9730 E-mail: Kevin Bailey |