2nd Annual Pickwick Lake Team Challenge Raises $13,000

Guntown, MS, May 29, 2014 --(PR.com)-- Building upon its initial success from 2013, the 2nd annual Pickwick Lake Team Challenge, held at Pickwick Landing State Park near Counce Tn, on May 17, 2014 was an overwhelming success, with a net proceed to the Catch-A-Dream Foundation of just over $13,000. This is $5,000 more than in 2013.

A large part of the increased proceed was due to extra fund raising efforts by many of the teams. "We wanted to increase the proceed to Catch-A-Dream, so this year we developed a strategy whereby teams were encourage to raise funds for Catch-A-Dream in addition to their registration fees," said Sandie Cox, co-director of the tournament. As an incentive, the teams generating the highest levels of donations were eligible for top spots in the blast off line up, special prizes and if the team that finished first in the tournament happened to also be in the top ten fundraisers, with at least $1,000 in donations generated, that team would win a $2,000 bonus check. "We had 10 teams participate in this aspect of the tournament, and 5 of the teams raised over $1,000 each," Cox said. Sandie's husband, Shane Cox owner of presenting sponsor Hammer Fishing Rods added, "And it just so happened that one of the teams raising over $1,000 also placed first in the tournament, winning that $2,000 bonus check!"

Tony Browning, of B & H Outdoors, the other presenting sponsor said, "We are pleased at the outstanding response from the anglers and could not be happier with our partnership with Catch-A-Dream. Though we had less teams than last year, our net proceeds nearly doubled, and we are very proud of that." The tournament featured a 2-boat, 4-person team format with anglers competing for over $15,000 in cash prizes. Twenty-seven teams entered. Top prize of $7,250 was claimed by the team of Jeremy Utley, Robert Boyd, William Davis and Tim Cummings with a weight of 50.61 lbs. A new twist this year was the addition of a 5K run/walk which despite the rain attracted over two dozen dedicated participants and is expected to grow in the future.

"We are elated," said both Shane and Sandie Cox and Browning, "and we appreciate the many people who worked very hard to make this event a success and we are grateful for the support from donors, sponsors and volunteers." The Friday night registration banquet, auction and program was also a highlight and set the tone for the entire weekend. "We appreciate First Baptist Church of Counce for the hospitality and use of their multi-purpose building for the banquet; the tournament could not have been as successful without their help," Cox said. "Special thanks to the Youth Ministry at FBC Counce and to Cross Power for outstanding work in promoting every aspect of the tournament.

Plans are already underway for the 3rd annual Pickwick Lake Team Challenge which will see the format change to a single-boat two angler tournament. The committee will announce date and details for the 2015 tournament soon.