Hurricanes alumni preparing for Carolina Beach charity event in late September
CAROLINA BEACH, N.C. (WWAY) — A massive charity event for a noble cause is on its way to Carolina Beach for the first time, and some notable athletes are a driving force behind it.
The Savannah Boats Classic King Mackerel Fishing Tournament will be held September 26-27 at the Silver Dollar and other Carolina Beach businesses.
(Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)
Tens of thousands of dollars in prize money is up for grabs. Organizers hope to have 40 participants.
One hundred-percent of the proceeds will go towards Team RWB, an organization that benefits veterans.
Upwards of ten former Carolina Hurricanes players will be in attendance such as Cam Ward, Bates Battaglia and Sean Hill.
2006 Stanley Cup champion Aaron Ward spoke with WWAY and says he and other Hurricanes alumni enjoy using their platform to give back to those in need.
(Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)
“We put together events, we come up with some idea of a philanthropic angle to benefitting the community,” Ward said. “In this situation with Team RWB, these are people who sacrificed on the daily. Not just their time, but their lives in some capacity. So for us, it was a natural fit. I love to fish. I love the beach. Not often you get an opportunity to have so much fun. Interact with people in a different community, involve yourself in something that benefits others like this will. That’s really the angle we took. We wanted to reach outside of the community we’re accustomed to being in.”
On top of the fishing tournament, the event’s primary sponsor will also give away one of their own creations.
The Savannah Boats Company, based in Benson, North Carolina, is raffling off a 22-foot vessel with trailer valued at $50,000.
(Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)
Ward says it is a great way to raise as much money as possible for Team RWB.
“It screams of income for the charity, obviously,” Ward said. “You got the people that come in and they want to fish, you have people that want to come to the party. We’re going to have a bunch of their boats. The higher end boats, the mid level boats. Anything you want to see will all be present here in Carolina Beach for everybody to take a look and pop on them. I’m sure the owner of the boat company would love for everybody to just hop on with their shoes and have fun with them.”
Other items available include a meat smoker and items autographed by current and former NHL stars such as Auston Matthews and Mark Messier.
(Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)
Click here to learn more about the event.
Click here to learn more about the fishing tournament.
