when I ran my learn to fish program, I had a host of tackle manufactures who gladly supplied an assortment of donations each year for my Youth FIshing Festival. We averaged close to 300 kids each year and did free raffles-each participant got a ticket.
We also got donations of polaroid film and gave kids photos of their catch. Another exciting thing was the fish ID tank. We would put a variety of fish in the tank which were caught, and give the kids an educational account of each fish, the different markings, colorations, body structure, handling techniques, etc...
I bet if MAFF were to write to some of the larger manufacturers, it would receive more than you could imagine. Some of the sponsors of my program were Bill Lewis Lewis, Bass Assassin, Berkley, Shakespeare, Poes, Mann's, as well as several local corporations who donated cash for the event.
Mass Wildlife also has a program-the old Urban Angler program-and they loan out equipment which can be borrowed by your group. They have a fishing license exemption for sponsored events throught their program. Jim Legacy is a great contact through the Westboro office. He could also hook you up with other groups who are doing similar events and maybe you could 'piggy back ' with their efforts. Either way, it is all good! If you call Jim, tell him Brian Carifio says hello!
Posted Fri Nov 09, 2012 7:36 pm