Rods & Reels for Winners

^{1st Annual}Rods & Reels for Winners
	The First Annual Rods and Reels for Winners Children's Fishing Day was a huge success. With the cooperation of the WPA and Mercy Hospital, children who had sustained major medical events we invited to a day out on the Lake. 84 Lakes in 84 PA played gracious host to the event allowing our young anglers a free day of fishing. Using rods and reels donated to the WPA through its Recycle a reel program the children were provided with all the tackle and bait they needed for a days fishing.
Everyone at the event was a winner, not only the anglers but also all of us who had the opportunity to spend some time with these special children and share our love of the outdoors and the sport of angling.
	Following a day full of fishing the children assembled in front of the tournament trailer to see how well they placed and to receive their awards, and prizes donated by area business. Trophies donated by Lash's Sporting Goods were given to the top three finishers as well as the largest, smallest and first fish. To the left are the days fishing winners: Larry Jenkins, 12 of Washington, PA, a burn survivor, won big fish, first fish and the 1st place prize with the most weight.
Because of the generosity of special sponsors like, 84 Lakes, Nicklow's Live Bait & Tackle, PA Lures, Can-A-Bait, Erie Dearie, Lock 3 Bait & Tackle, Dicks Sporting Goods, Hookhider Fishing Rods, Kmart, Walmart, Lash's Sporting Goods, Head Braker Jigs, The WPA and Mercy in addition to a wonderful day every child was able to take home lots of prizes, memories to hold, and a brand new fishing rod and reel of their own. Our many thanks to the Mercy Staff for all the help in organizing the event and we are looking forward to holding the event again next year. For more information on the Rods and Reels for Winners Program or the Recycle-a-Reel program call the WPA at 724-438-5070.