The International Game Fish Association’s New Jersey Representatives are pleased to announce that their 16th Annual Fund Raising Banquet and Auction will be held on Friday, April 19, 2013 at 7 pm at Doolan’s located on Route 71 in Spring Lake Heights, New Jersey. Hosted by New Jersey representatives Pete Barrett, Bill Feinberg, Rich Keller, Jeff Merrill and Gene Nigro, proceeds from the evening will benefit the IGFA’s Junior Angler and Conservation Programs. Last year more than 150 guests attended and more than $20,000 was raised for these IGFA programs. Over the past 15 years this event has raised well more than $200,000, making it one of the IGFA’s most successful fund raising events on the annual calendar.
“Our New Jersey representatives continue to play an important role for the IGFA and its International Committee of Representatives. Their dedication and commitment to the Junior Angler Program and the IGFA’s conservation efforts is to be commended. I again look forward to attending this very popular annual event,” noted Rob Kramer, IGFA’s President.
A cocktail hour precedes a deluxe hot and cold buffet dinner followed by the popular Fishing Tackle Bonanza Auction, where thousands of dollars worth of fishing tackle including rods, reels, line and lures donated by major tackle manufacturers and local tackle shops, plus jewelry, marine artwork and other fishing related items and accessories will be given away. Numerous fishing trips have also been donated by charter boat captains. The popular Grand Raffle is again well-stocked and includes a Shimano Tyrnos 30 two-speed reel spooled with PowerPro line and matching Tallus rod, a hand carved tarpon sculpture by John Fish and a Reactor watch courtesy of Midlantic Gold Rush. A silent auction will also be held and will include a beautiful bronze Bodo Muche marlin sculpture, fishing trips and several other high-value items. Every attendee will receive commemorative gifts from the IGFA including a Guy Harvey Close to the Edge shirt and Marc Montocchio Shades of Grey: Sailfish Series print.
Reservations are limited to the first 225 people and can be made by sending a check for $75 per ticket, made out to the IGFA and sent to: IGFA Banquet, c/o Jeff Merrill, 918 Houston St., South Plainfield, New Jersey 07080. For further information, contact Jeff Merrill at 908-451-1110 or via e-mail at jeffmerrill2@verizon.net.