United Anglers of Southern California

UNITED ANGLERS OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TO HONOR
BEVERLY RAY PARKHURST AT 18TH ANNUAL FUNDRAISING DINNER

October 25 Event Promises Great Food, Good Times, Valuable Raffle Prizes and Presentation of UASC Bill Ray Memorial Conservation Award

Non-profit recreational fishing organization United Anglers of Southern California (UASC) is busy planning its 18th Annual Fundraising Dinner, scheduled for Sunday, October 25 at the luxurious Balboa Bay Club & Resort in Newport Beach.    This popular yearly event will feature a sumptuous plated dinner, socializing with fellow anglers and industry representatives, and more valuable raffle and door prizes than you shake a graphite stick at.  

The highlight of this event each year is the presentation of the Bill Ray Memorial Award, the highest conservation award presented by UASC.  Over the years, this award has been presented to a diverse group of individuals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty on behalf of recreational anglers.   The prestigious list of recent recipients includes Bart Hall of Fred Hall & Associates (2008), Peggie Shedd of AFTCO (2007), retired California Fish and Game Commission Director Robert B. Treanor (2006) and hook-and-line commercial fisherman Jack Webster (2005).  Among other notable fishing luminaries who have been honored since the award’s inception in 1991 are Bill Ray, Milt Shedd, Bill Shedd, Don Kent, Paxson Offield, Thomas Pfleger, Fred Hall, Bill Beebe, Russ Izor, Jim Donlon, Sen. Dede Alpert, Bob Fletcher and Dick Pool.

According to UASC President Steven Fukuto, this year’s award
presentation will be particularly gratifying.   The 2009 Bill Ray
Memorial Award will be presented to Beverly Ray Parkhurst, who was
married to UASC founder Bill Ray until his death of cancer in 1991.  It
was in her husband Bill’s memory that this award was originally
established, and now, 18 years later, Beverly Ray Parkhurst will be
recognized for her continued support of the sportfishing community.

In the summer of 2008, Beverly Ray Parkhurst demonstrated her
dedication to carrying on her husband’s conservation vision in a very
real and tangible way.  On behalf of the Bill and Beverly Ray
Foundation, she presented UASC with a very generous grant.  These vital
funds are being used to continue a variety of important programs
designed to benefit fish and fishermen.  These diverse activities
include ongoing efforts to halt destructive industrial fishing
practices, enhance marine habitat and fish stocks, promote ethical
angling practices and educate youngsters and families about the sport
of fishing.   Perhaps most important in today’s challenging
environment, however, is UASC’s steadfast dedication to prevent
unnecessary closures and maximize recreational fishing opportunities
for today and the future.

“It will be my honor to present Beverly Ray Parkhurst with this
prestigious award and watch her take her rightful place among some
great people who’ve done so much for all of us,” said Fukuto.   “I’m
looking forward to recognizing her, not only for this single act of
generosity, but for her important role in helping Bill Ray achieve his
dream of a conservation organization designed for recreational
fishermen — a dream that eventually became United Anglers of Southern
California,” he added.

There is another important aspect of this annual fundraising dinner.  
Since 2009 marks the organization’s 20th Anniversary overall, a special
effort is being made to recognize those who have been with UASC since
the beginning.  “There is a surprising number of dedicated people who
have stuck with us and by us for all these years,” said Fukuto.  “In
some small way, we want to honor them for the contributions they have
made to fishing in Southern California,” he added.

Tickets for this important fundraising event are $100, which includes
dinner entry and raffle ticket for Door Prizes.  Additional raffle tickets can also be purchased at the event for a variety of valuable items including
fishing tackle, artwork, apparel, vacation packages and more.   Even
those who can’t make the dinner can help UASC and get a shot at these
great prizes by purchasing raffle tickets in advance (winners need not
be present).  The event also features a variety of valuable items up
for live and silent auction.  

This event is also a great social opportunity for the angling
community.  It’s an ideal way for fishing clubs to demonstrate their
spirit while getting together to benefit the sport they love. Doors
will open at 4:00 p.m. for what is certain to be a full evening of
fun.  For more information or tickets to UASC’s 18th Annual Fundraising
Dinner, call (562) 494-9900 or visit the organization’s website at
www.unitedanglers.com.