PACKED HOUSE HONORS BART HALL AT UASC’S 17TH ANNUAL FUNDRAISING DINNER
Good Food, Great Prizes and Presentation of
2008 Bill Ray Memorial Award Highlight May 18 Dinner
Hundreds of anglers and members of the sport fishing industry turned out to honor Bart Hall - widely recognized as the "Father of Recreational Fishing" in Southern California - during United Anglers of Southern California's 17th annual fundraising dinner at the Harborside Pavilion in Newport Harbor.
The presentation of the Bill Ray Memorial Award - UASC's highest conservation honor - to Hall was the highlight of a fun evening May 18, one that also included good food, good company and a host of valuable raffle prizes and auction items.
Hall was his typical humble self as he received the award from AFTCO's Bill Shedd (himself a past winner), even when faced with a standing ovation from the crowd of 300. He credited his father Fred (who started the Fred Hall Fishing Tackle & Boat Shows), the support of his family and his hard-working staff for his business' many years of success in entertaining the public and promoting the value of family togetherness through fishing and the outdoors. "Thousands upon thousands of Southern Californians were introduced to fishing by the Hall shows - and they still look forward to it as the highlight of each year," said Tom Raftican, President of UASC. "More importantly, the kid-friendly focus of these shows brings families together and helps introduce new youngsters to the joy of fishing. I can't tell you how important this is at a time when our nation is becoming less outdoor oriented and fishing access here at home is facing many tough challenges. We are all very fortunate to have a strong presence like Bart Hall on our side," added Raftican.
UASC 2008 Dinner/Page 2
The 2008 dinner was highlighted by additional awards and honors, including the presentation of UASC's inaugural Fishing Club Award. This award will be given each year to recognize a Southern California fishing club that has demonstrated high conservation values and, most importantly, the drive to put these values into action. Not surprisingly, the recipient of UASC's Fishing Club Award for 2008 went to Marina Del Rey Anglers, one of UASC's longest standing affiliate clubs. Club representative Bob Kessling stepped to the podium to accept the award from Tom Raftican and applause from the crowd on behalf of Marina Del Rey Anglers, in recognition of their hard work on the white seabass program, youth fishing activities, annual halibut derby fundraiser and more.
For more information about the ongoing activities of United Anglers of Southern California, contact organization headquarters at (949) 863-9447 or visit www.unitedanglers.com
