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Davis, PAA Help Youth Catch a Dream
May 13, 2008
At first glance, the PAA may seem primarily concerned with what anglers can do for themselves, but on further inquiry it quickly becomes clear that the organization is also dedicated to collectively spreading the benefits of time outdoors.
One piece of evidence of this purpose is the PAA’s affiliation with Catch-A-Dream, an organization dedicated to giving terminally ill children opportunities to enjoy hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities.
“It’s a perfect fit for the PAA,” said President Mark Davis. “They are a great provider and we can help fulfill some of the wishes of these young men and women.”
The organization as a whole has provided over 200 trips to children from 43 different states, but the relationship with the PAA is just starting to bloom. So far, two PAA members, Davis and Cliff Pace, have participated in the program and more trips are already scheduled.
Davis invited an eight year old with leukemia to join him for a day of fishing on Lake Ouachita in April of 2007.
“The weather was less than perfect,” he said. “But without a doubt it was a matter of divine intervention. I wouldn’t have given you a nickel for our chances of catching anything. It was cold, windy and miserable, but we caught three to five pound bass all day on a spook.
“I never catch them that early (on topwater) on that lake,” he added.
Other than giving him a chance to catch some healthy spring bass on his home lake, the experience also allowed Davis to receive as much as he gave. What benefits did he receive?
“Where do you begin?” he asked. “It gave me true perspective about what’s important. Number one, it made me thankful for my healthy children. Number two, there was tremendous gratification in seeing a child, his siblings and his parents all getting to enjoy the outdoors and the chance to forget about their problems for even a short time.”
More information about the program can be found at www.catchadream.org.
Look for upcoming interviews with PAA member Cliff Pace and Catch-A-Dream Board Member Dr. Marty Brunson. As additional PAA members contribute to the program, we will report on those efforts individually, to give those members the full credit that they deserve.
Anyone wishing to donate time or other resources to this effort should contact Mark Davis or Jamie Hairgrove at jamie@fishpaa.com
