GREENVILLE, S.C. — Nothing says fishing like sharing the sport with kids, and The Ike Foundation and Toyota are teaming up to make a difference.
“Hook ‘em early. Take the Pledge Today.” That is the slogan behind the partnership between Toyota and the youth-focused organization started by Michael Iaconelli.
Getting more kids fishing and in the outdoors, especially where fishing opportunities are few, is the goal of the foundation. Getting adults to sign up and pledge to take kids fishing is how the partnership works.
You can take the pledge this week in the Toyota booth at the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods. Or you can do that anytime this season at during the Bassmaster Elite Series.
“The future of the sport is our responsibility, and this is a really cool way to reach even more adults and challenge them to take part,” said Iaconelli.
You can get into the fishing mood by just signing up. Fill out a pledge card, drop it into the uniquely designed fishing bobber and sign your autograph on the clear side. Turning it black with signatures is the idea, as the bobber travels the country for the remainder of the Elite Series season.
Toyota will make a pledge to The Ike Foundation for every pledge made by fans and anglers during the 2018 Elite Series season. Nine events remain on the schedule, beginning next month and concluding in September.
The foundation will use donations for assisting civic and charitable organizations in sponsoring events to promote fishing to urban and rural youth. Teaching fishing skills, conservation stewardship and about having fun and sharing the outdoors are the goals.
For more information check out theikefoundation.org.