PRESS RELEASE – STUART, FL — The Michael Shields Memorial Inshore Open Fishing Tournament was held on September 26 – 27, where a record 160 anglers and over 400 guests raised nearly $65,000. The proceeds will be used towards the down payment on the new Project L.I.F.T. facility. Sarah Franklin and Shaun Plymale chaired the event. Sarah and Shaun’s families have been active participants since the inaugural tournament in 2009. Michael Shields, close childhood friends with Shaun, who passed on at the young age of 23, grew up fishing in the St. Lucie River and was seen as a true role model to many young boys.
“We are so pleased to be the benefactors of The Michael Shields Inshore Open,” said Bob Zaccheo Project Lift Executive Director. “I know Michael would be right here next to his friends; fishing, bonding with, and in turn helping kids.”
Project Lift is a comprehensive Substance Abuse Program for teens, which helps boys address issues of depression and anger in a communal and trusting atmosphere. Through the 14-16 week Intensive Out Patient Program, the teens learn leadership and occupational skills that they will retain for life. The teens also give back to the community by using their new occupational skills to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs, House of Hope, SafeSpace, Banner Lake residents, as well as other community members in need.
Dates for next year’s Michael Shields Memorial Inshore Open are September 25-26, 2015.
For more information on Project L.I.F.T., visit www.projectliftmc.com. For more tournament details and photos, visit www.fishforthekids.org.
[sws_blue_box box_size=”630″] RESULTS
1st Place Team: Team Merrill Lynch
2nd Place Team: Team Redemption Best Snook: Max Tatum
Best Redfish: Mike Raaz
Best Tarpon: Chase Higgins
Best Trout: Frank Duffy
Best Fish on Fly: Gavin Gumbinner
Best Fish on D.O.A.: Chase Higgins
Top Guide: Adam White
Top Lady Angler: Ghada Durgham
Top Junior Angler: Baylor Bullock [/sws_blue_box]
