ORLANDO, Fla. — Bassmaster Elite Series pro John Crews went to ICAST to work in his booth, Missile Baits, and to visit with his sponsors and other industry people. But he got a surprise when visitors turned up from the Orlando-area branch of Autism Speaks.
“I really appreciated John’s efforts with the flags for autism,” said Karen Bacharach, senior director, referring to the Guntersville Elite event in which Crews asked all of the Elite Series angler to fly a flag for autism awareness on their light poles during the event, autograph them and then auction them off as a fundraiser for autism awareness efforts. Crews also wore a special jersey for the event and auctioned it off for more than $500 that he donated to the Autism Society.
“When I heard about what he had done, I thought, I like fishing and I appreciate his work, so I wanted to go meet him,” Bacharach continued.
She and colleague Miranda Fick surprised him in the Missile Baits booth and thanked him for his efforts.
“We wanted to get together and see how we can help him spread the word,” said Bacharach. “The best method for getting the awareness out there is to partner with others. Everything starts with people working together.”
Autism Speaks funds genetic research, increases awareness of autism and advocates for the needs of people with autism as well as their families.
“I love that there’s a voice, not just in the local area but across the country, in a sport like this,” said Fick. “It’s nice to hear that there are people like John Crews who speak up for those who can’t.”