Breast Cancer Awareness Month begins Oct. 1, and it kicks off in the Tampa Bay area with an event to benefit cancer patients and survivors hosted by the nonprofit Hooked on Hope.
The organization presents an annual fishing tournament and other events to raise money for Bay area breast cancer programs.
In seven years, Hooked on Hope has raised about a quarter of a million dollars.
Proceeds to benefit the University of South Florida Breast Health Program.
The second weekend of October, Hooked on Hope will host the Annual Inshore Fishing Tournament at the Magnuson Hotel and Marina Cove in St. Petersburg.
The weekend event kicks off on Friday evening, Oct. 7, with a Silent Auction and Reception. On Saturday, Oct. 8, 35 to 40 boats with licensed, insured captains take 150 or more anglers to catch and release snook, trout, and red fish. The fishing venue is on the Gulf of Mexico, with the Sunshine Skyway Bridge as the backdrop.
An anonymous donor makes it possible for 60 breast cancer patients and survivors to be pampered for the day at the Magnuson Hotel Ballroom.
On Saturday, Hooked on Hope founder and director Lori Deeton, cancer survivor Liz Diaz, and USF Breast Health Program director and physician Charles Cox visited the ABC Action News studios to talk about the USF program, the importance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and how you can get involved.
To participate in the fishing tournament this year, contact Deeton by email at ladyfishlori@msn.com or call her at (813) 967-5032.
Fishing tournament schedule:
