August 13, 2012
By Jeff Weakley
I received this week an e-mail (copied below) from Kevin Gorby, coordinator for Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing in Northwest Florida. Gorby's system of teaching war-wounded veterans to tie flies and catch fish was featured in the May 2012 print edition of Florida Sportsman Magazine. I'll post that article later this week, after I've cleared my desk. For now, I suggest all Florida fly fishermen read Gorby's call for help, and strongly consider supporting this great effort. --Jeff Weakley, Editor
Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc. has been designated by the IRS as a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing of NW Florida has three programs with one of the largest volunteer bases within the Deep South region. The Eglin, Pensacola and Panama City programs are all in need of your support with donations for gear and fishing outings, for our local veterans here in NW Florida. Your support will help continue the emotional and physical therapy that our veterans require. Enabling us to help give them the skills and tools, so they may enjoy the sport of fishing as a lifetime of personnel therapy.
OUR WISH LIST
Items and or monetary donation needs:
>10 Saltwater Fly Reels, 8 weight (average cost $125 each)
>10 Saltwater Fly Rods, 8 weight ($125 ea.)
>10 Personal Floatation Devices, Co2 manual ($125 ea.)
>3 Large, well-equipped First Aid Kits ($250 ea.)
>3 Very large ice coolers ($100 ea.)
>Donated or monetary help with transportation needs to and from fishing outings for 20 to 30 veterans and volunteers several times each year.
>Donated or monetary help with food and beverages during fishing outings 20 to 30 veterans and volunteers several times each year. PHWFF has a no-alcohol policy.
>Modern laptop for mobility, class presentations and better communications.
>Lexmark Printer ink # 36 # 37 and printer paper.
>Please when helping our local PHWFF NW Florida with monetary donations: Be specific by noting on your check: NW Florida and or a specific Area such as Pensacola. Eglin or Panama City. Please be specific on where you would like your donations to be used, whether fishing outings or gear and materials.
>Please be aware that there is no service fees of any type removed on your donations under $5,000. This ensures that your help goes directly to the veterans needs here in NW Florida.
>For Donations over $250.00 you will receive the proper IRS In Kind Donation Form, from PHWFF.
>Checks should be made out and sent to: Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Inc., PO Box 695 La Plata, MD 20646
>For direct items donated or questions on how you may help, Please feel free to contact: Kevin Gorby, PHWFF Area Coordinator NW Florida, 850-218-4235; Krgorby@att.net
>PHWFF relies on the generosity of both private and corporate donors. PHWFF also solicits foundation grants and is part of the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC #82526). PHWFF receives no government funding.
