“As we admire the legacy of our great sport commemorated in these halls, I can imagine no better place to celebrate the wonderful work that you all help support.” As IGFA President Rob Kramer welcomed guests to the 28th Annual International Auction & Banquet, he did so for the first time at IGFA headquarters in Dania Beach, Florida, USA. Although the setting may have been less formal than the event’s previous home at The Breakers in Palm Beach, the evening was no less festive in marking the annual tradition of the sportfishing community.
Following cocktails and the silent auction, the evening began with an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding achievers in conservation, light and heavy tackle, sportsmanship, and membership recruitment by IGFA representatives. Then guests took stock of the strides IGFA has made for recreational angling in the past year in a short video before the live auction began.
Bidding was lively as guests took the message that gifts would reach “many fish, many anglers, and many countries” to heart. But the most exciting gift during the live auction may have been from the Mako 234 center console. Won by Robert Kurz, father of IGFA Conservation Award winner and IGFA Representative Bob Kurz of California, USA, the boat sold for $50,000 – which he gave and then donated the boat back to the IGFA to raise additional funds.
“With this gift we are appreciative both of Robert’s generosity and our friends at Bass Pro Shops,” IGFA COO Mike Myatt said. “They are helping us re-sell the boat now that the auction has ended and are a great corporate partner.” Many thanks also go to Hell’s Bay Boatworks, Sebile Lures, Coolibah Air, Kent Ullberg, and the many donors, partners, and supporters of the IGFA who help make the event a success each year. For more pictures from this year’s Auction & Banquet, visit our
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