The Ike Foundation Accepting Fishing Equipment Donations at Bassmaster Expo to Benefit

New and gently used equipment is slated for re-distribution to youth fishing groups

Pittsgrove, NJ, February 17, 2015.    The Ike Foundation is accepting donations of new and gently used fishing equipment this weekend at the Bassmaster Classic Outdoor Expo, at the TD Convention Center in Greenville, SC.

Yamaha and Bass University TV booths are both drop-off locations for donations, according to Mike Iaconelli, president of the 501c3 non-profit dedicated to “getting kids hooked on fishing.”

“Bring in a new rod or pull those unused rods and reels out of the garage and the corner of the basement and bring them to the TD Center, said Iaconelli. “We’ll make sure they get to kids who will put them to use.”

The Expo is open to the public on Friday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, Saturday from 10 am to7:00 pm, and Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.  Equipment donations are tax deductible.Monetary contributions are also welcome.

Iaconelli and his wife Becky founded The Ike Foundation last year to fulfill Mike’s long-time dream of connecting more kids with fishing opportunities, especially kids in areas where fishing opportunities are not easily found.

“The mission for us, as The Ike Foundation, is to make it happen—arrange places to collect theequipment, check it, organize it and ship it to a group of kids. On the other side, the foundationwants to hear from organizations that have fishing programs (or will start one), determine the equipment they need, match it against our inventory, and get it to them.”

Organizations that want to be considered for a gift of fishing equipment or support can apply online, using the form at MikeIaconelli.com/IkeFoundation. To donate toward shipping costs and the purchase of new equipment, send checks to The Ike Foundation, P.O. Box 818, 625 N. Main Street, Elmer, NJ, 08318 or use a credit card atMikeIaconelli.com/IkeFoundation.

The Ike Foundation

Established in July 2014, The Ike Foundation is an IRS registered 501(c)3, non-profit foundation focused on promoting the sport of fishing to America’s youth and developing their appreciation of the outdoors and our country’s natural resources. Trustees include Michael J. Iaconelli, foundation president, Rebecca Iaconelli, secretary and Carol Muracco, treasurer.  Gifts to the IkeFoundation are fully tax deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law.