Wildlife Commission Hosts Memorial Fishing Event

RALEIGH, N.C. (Sept. 15, 2005) — The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will host a free fishing event for people diagnosed with cancer and their families on Oct. 8 from 8 a.m. until noon.

The “Betty K. Memorial Fishing Event” will be held at the John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center, located at 7489 Raeford Road across from Lake Rim. The event is named for Betty Kelly, who passed away in March 2004 after a two-year battle with kidney cancer. Kelly is the mother-in-law of event organizer Tom Morketter.

Participants should bring rods, reels and bait, although a limited number of rods and reels will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis, through the Wildlife Commission’s Tackle Loaner Program.

Several local sponsors will provide fishing-related door prizes, snacks and drinks.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for families who are dealing with a cancer diagnosis to get out and enjoy a fun day of fishing together,” said Kris Smith, information and education specialist with the Wildlife Commission. “We hope this event can help them forget, if only for a few hours, the doctors, the hospitals and the struggles they have to face on daily basis.”

To pre-register for the event, call the Fayetteville Cumberland Parks and Recreation at (910) 424-6134.

Return to Top

Return to News/Press Releases

NC Wildlife Home