Fishing with Special Friends celebrates 15 years at Wrightsville Beach

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC (WWAY) — A special tradition in New Hanover County marked a milestone Saturday, bringing together people with special needs, their families and volunteers for a day of fishing and fellowship.

The 15th annual Fishing with Special Friends event took place at Johnnie Mercer’s Fishing Pier in Wrightsville Beach, where a large crowd gathered to celebrate the occasion.

For 15 years, the event has provided children and adults with special needs the opportunity to enjoy a free day of fishing, fun and community alongside their families and volunteers.

This year’s gathering carried an especially personal meaning for organizers as they honored Max, the younger brother of organizer Bambi Weavil, who died unexpectedly in April.

Weavil said the event was held in his memory and to celebrate his legacy.

“It means a lot. This is something we did for him and his legacy,” Weavil said.

She said Max was unable to walk, talk, crawl or feed himself, making the event’s mission particularly meaningful to their family.

“Being able to come out here and be with people just like him, where we’re all celebrating what makes us diverse and special — we’re all special,” Weavil said. “I’m really proud that everybody’s remembering him today.”

If you would like to know more about the organization, you can head to their website for more information.