Georgia Cancer Support holds kid’s fishing rodeo

Published 8:00 am Thursday, May 24, 2012

The Georgia Cancer Support organization headquartered in Milledgeville partnered with the Jay’s Hope organization from Macon and the two groups held a fishing rodeo for young cancer patients and their families on May 12 at a Denise and Gordon Veal’s fish pond in Baldwin County.

Twelve children that are battling cancer participated in the fishing event along with their families and friends. In addition, four adults that are also battling cancer attended the event and all total the event drew seventy-three people. What a wonderful event especially for the children and all those that participated in the event. Everyone got a special blessing from participating in such a wonderful event.

Several pro anglers from the local area attended to assist the children with the fishing activities. The anglers included Danny White whose wife is Robbie White. Robbie and Danny are Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of Georgia Cancer Support. Danny brought along pro anglers Mike Blackshear and Mike Reed to assist and teach the children the fine art of fishing.

“Out of all the fundraisers that we have held, this was the most rewarding and blessed event”, said Robbie White. Robbie has herself been battling cancer for several years. “I would like to thank Cindy Gaskins (President) and Leigh McElroy from Jay’s Hope for joining in organizing and getting participants for the fishing rodeo,” said Robbie White.

Bass Pro Shop donated kid’s reel and rod combos for the event and Chuck’s Bait and Tackle from Warner Robins donated the worms, crickets and fishing poles for the event. Georgia Cancer Support also receives sponsorship from Ranger Boats, Mercury Marine and Augusta Marine.

“Everyone that helped today felt very blessed,” said Robbie White. “It was a perfect day that only God could have ordered. It was overcast with a cool breeze and no rain. Wow it was just amazing! I want to especially thank Beckham Used Cars, Beckham-Fain Insurance and Magnolia State Bank for providing the necessary funds to hold the kid’s fishing rodeo.”

Gordon and Denise Veal provided their beautiful pond for the event and they had been feeding the fish for two weeks prior to the event. The fish caught by the participants included bream, catfish and largemouth bass and all the participants were able to catch fish.

Some teenage girls volunteered to do face painting for the children and Gordon Veal and friends cooked hot dogs and hamburgers for the event. The children were also treated to a hayride in between the fishing event and eating. Coca-Cola donated the drinks for the event and someone made a dirt cake with Gummy Worms. I know everyone enjoyed that!

Each participating family received a copy of “Bless You Children” from the author, Sophia Peavey. The children also received a T-shirt and a Papa John’s gift card.

“We are excited to partner with Papa John’s Pizza and beginning May 21 thru June 24 if someone buys a large pizza with two toppings for $9.00 online from Papa John’s, the Georgia Cancer Support organization will receive $1.00,” said Robbie White. “Those funds will go a long way in making a difference in the lives of many cancer patients.”

Georgia Cancer Support Diamond Sponsors include Beckman’s Used Cars, Title Pawn & Bail Bonding, Beckham-Fain Insurance Group, Beckham-Fain Rentals and Sports Fit, Magnolia State Bank and Serenity Wellness Spa & Serenity Physical Therapy.  

Georgia Cancer Support is a non-profit 501-C organization that operates through sponsorships, donations and fundraisers to help cancer patients in the middle Georgia area. If you would like to volunteer, the organization has a job for you and offers community service hours for volunteers. Sponsorship is always invited and volunteers and organizations can contact Robbie White at (478) 731-9390.

What a fantastic day for these children and families that are battling the terrible disease of cancer. Thanks to everyone that participated in making this a wonderful day especially for the children. Good fishing and see you next week.