Virginia angler John Crews put in a lot of work raising autism awareness during the Diet Mtn Dew Bassmaster Elite at Lake Guntersville, and now the fundraising portion of his efforts has begun.
The autism-themed tournament jersey worn by Crews during the event has been autographed by the angler and is now being auctioned on ebay.com. Valley Fashions provided the jersey for Crews, and 100 percent of the auction price will be donated to the Autism Society, a national autism organization.
Click here to participate in the auction.
“Last year we raised some awareness and raised a great amount of money for autism,” Crews said. “I know that our awareness efforts have been much better this year, and I hope the fundraising portion does the same. We tried to have a little something for everyone’s price range that wants to donate through our various items.”
Crews asked the pros from the Bassmaster Elite Series to fly specially made “Fishin’ with A Mission” Autism Awareness flags from their light poles during the Guntersville event. After the event, the anglers autographed the flags and returned them for auction.
There will be various rounds of auctions for the flags to maximize donations and to give more people a chance to bid. The first round of flag auctions will feature flags from Kevin Vandam, Ish Monroe, Chris Lane and more than 20 other pros. Round one will benefit the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation.
To bid on the flags, click here.
Since Skeet Reese was the champion of the event, his autographed flag will be part of a separate auction. Dave Mercer, tournament emcee for the Elite Series events, is offering a $1,000 donation for the flag. If he is outbid, he will donate his bid along with the winners’ bid to Autism Speaks.
John Crews signed flags are available on www.missilebaits.com for $100 each and benefit the Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center. Subsequent rounds of flags will be auctioned as they become available and will benefit even more autism charities.