|
Norman,
OK -- Back in June, Elite Series pro, Rick Ash,
spread the word about an upcoming benefit tournament to help a young
angler in need.
Click here to view the initial story regarding the
Ron Phillips Benefit Tournament.
After
the tournament, Ash talked with The BZ about
the success and impact that the event had on
those involved and the opportunities that
remain to help Ron.
The Ron Phillips Benefit Tournament
was held Saturday, August 16th, on the Upper Chesapeake Bay in Maryland.
Ron, a 13 year-old member of the Tri-County Jr. Bassmasters and a junior member of the Marsh Creek Bassmasters, has been in A.I. Dupont Hospital in Delaware since February. Ron initially entered the hospital for a liver transplant when doctors diagnosed him with Burkitt’s Leukemia.
The
89 boat field that competed in the
tournament included Elite Series pros Rick Ash and Jeff Connella, FLW Series pros Randy Yarnall, Frank Ippoliti, and Dave Mansue, and WBT anglers Christina Bradley and Bridgette Allen. Each pro angler was paired with an individual who purchased a ticket prior to the tournament for a chance to fish with a pro for the day.
The support that Ron has received from the local fishing community and pro anglers has made a strong impact on Ron and his family. “We had a kickoff dinner on Friday night and Ron’s mother and sister and grandfather were all there and that was the first time that Ron’s mom had really been away from the hospital for any extended period of time.” Ash said. “On Saturday, his grandfather actually fished in the tournament and several of his relatives came down and we just had a great crowd.”
Top honors went to the team of Joe Thompson and Brittany Thompson who weighed in a five bass limit weighing just over 16 pounds. “It was really a neat deal, because the team that won was a father and daughter team and they donated their winnings ($1,525) back to the Ron Phillips Benefit Fund, which was really a class act.” said Ash.
Ash estimates that up to this point, the benefit tournament has raised upwards of $40,000 for Ron and his family. “We still have our donation account open and we are expecting several more donations to come in.” Ash explained.
While the benefit tournament was a success, the efforts to help Ron still continue. Beginning on August 25th, there will be an additional Ron Phillips Benefit Tournament Ebay Auction featuring autographed items from the top names in professional fishing including Kevin VanDam, Mike Iaconelli, Denny Brauer, Rick Clunn, Skeet Reese and many others. To access the auction, visit
www.marshcreekbassclub.com\rpbt and follow the banner link.
Although Ash and other pro anglers have been unable to communicate directly with Ron recently due to his chemotherapy treatments, his mom does read him updates and messages from his Caring Bridge website. “I’m sure that he’s overwhelmed with the attention that he’s getting but the family is just so appreciative.” Ash said. To follow updates on Ron’s condition and view his guest book or leave a message for Ron, visit:
www.caringbridge.org/visit/ronaldphillips.
|
