SWFL.io - Local NewsMATLACHA, Fla. (WINK) - The fish were part of the draw Saturday at the 29th annual LCEC Fishing Tournament, but organizers and participants said the real focus was the cause behind it.
The tournament, held in Matlacha, benefits the United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades and has become a longtime Southwest Florida tradition built around both competition and community support.
Kennedy Van Dyke, this year’s tournament chair, said the event has made a major impact over nearly three decades.
“This year’s 29th annual LCEC Fishing Tournament in support of our local United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades County,” Van Dyke said. “Since its inception, the fishing tournament has raised over $800,000, and LCEC is also a top contributor to the United Way campaign year after year.”
Van Dyke said the money raised stays local and helps make the event about more than just a day on the water.
“The funds stay local, and it’s not just about fishing, it’s about bringing people together in the local community to support an amazing cause,” she said.
More than 150 anglers took part in Saturday’s tournament, including Josh Crawford, who said he has been fishing the event for decades and now gets to share it with family.
“We caught some redfish, we caught some trout, we caught snook, so yeah, we caught all our fish,” Crawford said.
Crawford said the tournament has become something he looks forward to every year.
“I have fished this tournament with LCEC for probably 25 years at least, and now I get to fish it with my son, so we have a good time, and it’s a family thing, and a great cause,” he said.
United Way campaign manager Daniel Benzing said LCEC’s annual support has helped power programs across the region.
“I mean, that type of money can do so much to help our United Way and our community in general,” Benzing said. “You know, we have so many different partner agencies that we’re providing funds to. LCEC is one of the biggest parts of that. They really drive our United Way engine. They’re one of our largest participants. So without them, we couldn’t be doing what we’re doing in the community.”
Benzing said the money raised through the tournament helps support both United Way programs and partner agencies.
He also said events like the fishing tournament stand out because they are dependable year after year.