"FISH AGAINST IKE" VIRTUAL FISHING TOURNAMENT RAISES THOUSANDS FOR COVID-19 RELIEF

Pittsgrove, NJ, April 30, 2020 - Mike Iaconelli and The Ike Foundation® have donated $5,000 to support the Food Bank of South Jersey (FBSJ) as it continues to meet a 200 percent increase in food requests due to the food-insecurity impact of COVID-19. FBSJ is South Jersey’s largest hunger-relief organization. In addition, The Ike Foundation® donated $2,500 to the Family Success Center of West Jersey, an organization that provides shelter, financial assistance and advice to families displaced due to unemployment during the COVID-19 health crisis.

Major League Fishing Bass Pro Mike Iaconelli and The Ike Foundation® are currently hosting a ‘Fish Against Ike’ Virtual Bass Fishing Tournament. Iaconelli, a professional bass fisherman of over 20 years, has partnered with Fish Donkey for this app-based bass fishing tournament. “We appreciate the support of the 588 anglers across the country that participated in this fun fishing event and our sponsors who so generously donated as well. It’s an awesome thing to see the fishing community come together to help feed kids and families during this time of crisis”, says Iaconelli. Anglers made a $20 donation to participate, with proceeds going to these two organizations. The ‘Fish Against Ike’ Virtual Fishing Tournament has been a great way for people to get outside, maintain proper social distancing guidelines, go fishing AND help The Ike Foundation® help kids during this difficult time. Weekly prizes were generously donated by corporate sponsors of Iaconelli and The Ike Foundation®.

“We are so appreciative and deeply grateful for The Ike Foundation’s contribution to the Food Bank of South Jersey’s COVID-19 response efforts. This gift comes at a time of great and increasing need for our organization and for thousands of South Jersey residents facing hunger,” reports Food Bank of South Jersey President & CEO Fred C. Wasiak. “This gift supports our capacity to address the increasing requests for food, provide emergency food resources and expand our services to families, children, and seniors in need throughout South Jersey.”

The ‘Fish Against Ike’ Virtual Fishing Tournament and The Ike Foundation® appreciates the generous donations from individuals and sponsors, including Toyota, Abu Garcia, Berkley, Hobie, Flambeau, Yamaha, Rapala, Missile Baits, Gerber Gear, Spike-It, Rod Warrior, and many more. A full list of sponsors can be found at https://theikefoundation.org/ and https://mikeiaconelli.com/