To the editor:

On June 5, It Gets Better FD & Beyond held its fourth annual fishing tournament at Kennedy Park. We had over 100 registered participants with many others observing.

We want to thank all those that came out to support and create a successful event once again.

The proceeds from this year’s tournament will be used to help fund our annual Kids Choice Awards at Fort Frenzy, which is a banquet to honor surrounding area mentors who have made lives better for many. This event also allows the youths to have a voice.

The fishing was exceptionally good this year with over 600 fish weighed. The pan fish division took a 14 oz. average for three fish or nearly 3 pounds to win. The largest fish was a 3-pound, 13-ounce largemouth bass weighed in and released.

Once again, we received an amazing amount of prizes donated worth well over $1,000. Regardless if you caught a fish or not, you did not go empty-handed. Thanks to Pepsi Co., Family Bowling Center, Fort Frenzy, Fort 8 movie theater, George’s Diner, Al and Jan Link, Johnson Custom Cabinets, Mary Gormally of H&M Hair Care, and Trophies Unlimited for donating prizes. Thank you to Iowa Outdoors Store for supplying every registered participant with their choice of free bait.

Special recognition goes to Pat Buckley who makes sure every kid has a fishing gift in honor of his late son, Jim Buckley whom our biggest fish award is named after.

Thank you again for all those who participated or helped in any way. May our success be the success of our youth living in Webster County and Beyond!

Breck Johnson

Fort Dodge