By Coastal Angler Writer
Duck Soup crew Russell Triedman, Therman Richard, Justin Fisette, Lou Cuddy, Dennis Fisette, Alex Petrucci and Alex Petrucci Jr.
The Bluefin Blowout isn’t simply an excuse to spend time on the water. The Bluefin Blowout is really about coming together with friends and family, supporting local businesses throughout the Cape Ann region, and raising money for a great cause. This past month, the 4th annual Bluefin Blowout brought in $8,000 for the Gloucester Education Foundation. The Bluefin Blowout takes place annually at Cape Ann’s Marina in Gloucester, MA, and always attracts anglers and fans of fishing alike. Fishermen and their families come in from all along the East Coast for this tournament.
This year, the Bluefin Blowout partnered with the Boston Bruins Foundation. The partnership resulted in raising $8,000 for the Gloucester Education Foundation.
The overall goal of the Gloucester Education Foundation is to help the Gloucester Public School District be one of the best school districts in the commonwealth of Massachusetts. Their mission is to expand students’ opportunities and empower teachers to strengthen learning in the Gloucester Public School District. The Gloucester Education Foundation encourages creativity and drives innovation.
These funds were raised throughout a silent auction that is held throughout the tournament. The phenomenal efforts from the hosts of the Bluefin Blowout, combined with the captains and crew of the 40 boats that participated in the event, contributed to the success of the fundraising efforts.
This year’s winning boat, Duck Soup, snagged an enormous 324-pound bluefin tuna.
This year’s tournament found Duck Soup of Pt. Judith, RI, as the winner by weighing in an impressive 324-pounder on Friday. The tournament featured several other highlights as well. Rene Rancourt kicked off this year’s Bluefin Blowout with his rendition of the American Anthem. Rene’s performance was followed by a game-winning performance from Bob Sweeney, who led the fundraising efforts by donating several pieces of Boston Bruins memorabilia. A motivational speech from Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken rallied the captains to help support the tournament and the fundraising initiative.
Jon Sarofeen, auction winner, with Bruin legend Bob Sweeney and Gloucester Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken.
Perhaps it was all of the fundraising efforts, or the excitement surrounding the anticipated catch of these illusive bluefin tuna, but everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves while supporting a great cause.
“We are thrilled to give back to the community in which we work,” said Drew Hale. Rob Bouley chimed in saying, “Bob Sweeney’s enthusiasm and active role in raising this funding was instrumental to this year’s fundraising success.” Both agreed, their unsung hero in making this year’s event a success was Nicole Tongue. She led the charge to promote the event through her partnerships with local media and Boston based radio stations WEEI and WAAF.
To Lyon-Waugh Auto Group, the presenting Sponsor, this event would not be possible without you! To Cape Ann’s Marina & Resort, and the Diamond Sponsors of this event (Lyon-Waugh, Bud Light, Gloucester Fishing Company, Three Lanterns Marina, Bass Pro Shops, Prezza, Cuda, Milton, Gosling’s, WEEI, WAAF, Maui Jim, and Cape Ann’s Marina Resort), THANK YOU ALL! Without your support, this tournament wouldn’t be all that it is. Plans for next year’s Bluefin Blowout are well under way. Next year’s tournament has promised to be the best yet, so don’t miss out.
If you’d like to learn more about the Gloucester Education Foundation, feel free to visit the Gloucester Education Foundation website. Or, if you’re interested in further information about the Bluefin Blowout, contact Nicole Tongue at (617) 606-1448 or go to the Bluefin Blowout website. Everyone who loves raising money, fishing, or being a part of a great cause (and who doesn’t?) should partake in this annual tournament!
OUR PRESENTER
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