FISHING WITH VETERANS

Our purpose is to give back to our veterans for the sacrifices they have made and continue making. We host a day of fishing, which consists of 6 hours on Lake Michigan followed by a luncheon. Yacht Basin Marina graciously provides one building for us to use and assists with slips. We have a fabulous boating community - here in Holland and surrounding areas - captains pull together to donate their vessel, equipment, crew and time to make this happen.

The evening before the event, we assist the Holland Optimist Club in lining the Holland State Park channel with 80+ American flags. It is such a beautiful sight for the volunteers, community members and especially the veterans. Each year I’ve had numerous veterans comment on how beautiful and moving it is for them to see those flags line the channel as the boat parade moves through the channel. “Seeing so many people lining the channel cheering, waving flags, welcoming US home…reminds me why I served this great country.” THAT right there, makes all the work it takes to make this happen worth it and drives us to continue having this event.

To witness the brotherhood (men and women) of veterans as they share stories, experiences; offer another advice or support; the handshake and hug but most important to us, to not only feel but KNOW each of them is appreciated so very much!

The community of Holland is so giving, supportive and compassionate. The donations we receive for our event are wonderful. We purchase shirts for the veterans, captains and volunteers; food; rent tables and chairs; water; supplies (plates, silverware, napkins), flags to hand out at the pier and advertising. As the word gets out about this event, more people want to be involved in growing the event, volunteering or just making it memorable. When we share the passion for our veterans and this event, they want to be involved in some way (financially, food, gift cards…) and that is how we are able to do what we do.