By Janet Cruz

Fishing pros and amateurs are welcome to participate in some competitive fishing at the annual New Horizons Center Charity Bass Fishing Tournament April 6, at Havasu Riviera Marina, for great cause.

The event is in it’s 43rd year, and raises funds for individuals of all abilities in Lake Havasu City. The tournament is hosted by New Horizons Center with the help of community sponsors who make it possible.

“It’s due to our amazing sponsors who help us with this event, we also raise funds through the Anglers who sign up to participate, and also through our silent auction from items  by businesses and community members who donate,” said New Horizons Center CEO and board member, Brooke Russell.

According to Russell, New Horizons is a local nonprofit that has been operating more than 50 years in Lake Havasu City and was founded by Les Galst in 1973, to help serve individuals with disabilities.  The center provides residential services, day treatment programs and support for all individuals with intellectual disabilities, and also empowers residents with vocational skills and skill development to help them gain independence.

The upcoming tournament will help fund many of the local residents basic needs and medical equipment costs.

“A lot of our individuals live on a limited income. They can’t afford certain medical equipment and clothes. Last years benefit went towards purchasing electric wheelchair lifts for individuals that needed to be transported in and out of their wheelchairs,”  Russell said.

We are looking for more people to register for this year’s tournament to continue assisting our residents. This year’s total purse or (winning pot) is set at $5,000.

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

For those looking to participate in the charity tournament, entry fee is $325 for a team entry which includes big fish, goon fish and boat launch with dinner for two. Additional dinner guests are $10 dollars per person.

A silent auction dinner will take place April 5, at Anderson Toyota from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at 6510 Showplace Drive.

“A unique thing about this fundraiser is that all the proceeds go directly towards our resident’s needs,” Russell said. It’s great having the community just coming together to make a difference in the lives of our residents.”

For more information on the tournament or to register a team, visit https://newhorizonslhcaz.org/events/bass-tournament-registration/

Payout sponsors include; Unisource Energy Services, Anderson Toyota, Life Source Water, Anderson Powersports, APX Real Estate Group, Foothills Bank, Luxe Locker, U.S. National Insurance, Rahnema Law, Romer Beverage Company, Havasu Springs Resort, Arizona Detail Supply, Don’s Auto Body, Lake Havasu Bass Club, Haynes Investment Management, Realty One Group, Randy Shuffler, Max Machine Worx/Pro-Tech Mats, Galst Foundation and many others.  For a complete list of sponsors and donors visit https://newhorizonslhcaz.org/sponsors-donors/

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene