If the buzz in the Folsom Community Center was any indication, the attendees at the California Inland Fisheries Foundation 21st Annual Dinner were enjoying the evening. Over 250 folks gathered on Saturday, November 10, 2012, in support of CIFFI and its endeavors to create better fishing opportunities for the anglers of California. Major CIFFI sponsors – Gone Fishin’ Marine, Bucks Outboards, industry supporters, California professional guides, and friends, family and other supporters were in attendance. It’s a perfect location and brought support from many new attendees!
This fundraising gathering was the start of a new decade of continuing the cooperative fisheries management that CIFFI and the California Dept. of Fish and Game have developed over the years. Through memberships, donations and events such as this dinner, CIFFI continues to provide financing to DFG for hatchery projects, studies to plan for the future, and for youth-oriented activities. CIFFI also maintains many partnerships with other conservation-oriented companies, groups and organizations.
The Hannibals-catered dinner of tri-tip and trimmings was terrific and games, raffles, auctions and special awards kept the evening rolling. The Volunteer(s) of the Year Awards were presented to Del Delgado, John Haycox and George Speers, the “Three Amigos”, who have handled ticket sales at many derbies and events over the past years! “Volunteer of the Year” was presented to Don Nevis, CIFFI Treasurer. Special guests included Stafford Lehr, Dept. of Fish and Game Chief Fisheries Branch, Terry Forman, DFG Asst., Bill Karr, Editor, Western Outdoor News, and Paul Kneeland, Dan Bacher & Cal Kellogg of The Fish Sniffer. Lisa Rogers, Skippers Cove Marina, Englebright, was presented with a check for $1,000, in support of their new fish-enhancing pen project program. CIFFI President, Garry Erck was given a special recognition rod/reel combination by Jared Johnson, Rocky Mountain Tackle, for continuing to provide leadership to the Foundation. Rick Kennedy’s presentation of the 2012 kokanee egg-take and the overview he and Ed Fisk provided showed the great volunteer efforts required to keep the kokanee program going.
CIFFI is off and running…2013 promises to be another year of fun fundraising…family derbies, PELT events at Eagle Lake, meetings and major “Blasts” at Sacramento’s Elks Lodge. Be sure to check CIFFI.org often…it’s updated to keep interested folks aware of current and pending events.
