Massive bass classic fundraiser planned April 6 to benefit Trinity Outdoors Disabled Adventures
Published 12:10 am Wednesday, March 27, 2019
GRAMERCY — After a bad car wreck left him with an amputated leg, St. James Parish native Jason Bland turned his life around with a new calling to help others with disabilities.
Bland’s nonprofit, Trinity Outdoors Disabled Adventures, tells a story of “ashes to beauty,” according to St. John the Baptist Parish representative Maria Hotard Stelly.
Over the past 11 years, Bland has supported children, adults and veterans with disabilities by taking them on all-inclusive hunting and fishing trips.
Stelly said Bland’s reach has extended to local children with autism and cancer, and fundraising is vital.
The 6th annual Trinity Outdoors Bass, Bream & Sacalait Classic will be held April 6 at the St. James Boat Club in Gramercy to fund outdoor adventures.
“God gave him a vision, and he wanted people to not be defined by their disabilities,” Stelly said. “He inspires and empowers them to do something they never thought they could do. I love seeing this organization be the hands and feet of Jesus reaching out to all those who just want to be given hope, encouragement and confidence.”
Registration for all fishing divisions is $165 for a 2-person adult team and $40 for a two-person high school team with a parent as captain. One- or two-person teams may choose to enter only the bream and sacalait divisions for $50.
Visit trinitydisabledadventures.com for registration details.
Five family field stations will be available throughout the day, Stelly said. Booths include casting lessons, target shooting, Gotham Archery, fun bank fishing and an education station with Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries.
A 9 a.m. opening ceremony kicks the day off with a prayer and a National Anthem performance.
Jazzercize will be offered from 9:45 to 10:15 a.m., followed by Veteran’s activities from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Stelly said mouthwatering lunches could be purchased from an onsite “Uncle Booga” cooking competition.
All fishing participants will be honored with awards at 11:30 a.m., just before a talent showcase takes the stage from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Live music from Tet Dur Music Man plays from 1 to 3 p.m. Meanwhile, Miss Trinity Outdoors Juliet Delatte, Teen Trinity Outdoors Faith Madere and ambassador Eden Thorton will accompany visiting queens.
A “parade of prizes” donated by local businesses will be raffled off throughout the day, and winners will be posted at 3:45 p.m.
The Bass Classic concludes with a live auction tentatively scheduled for 4 p.m.
Service hours are provided to all volunteers.
To donate items, gift certificates or services, contact Stelly at 985-210-9153, Alison Hotard Treas at 504-237-3137 or Markie Grajkowski at 985-233-1593.
Those interested in sending a child on a Trinity Outdoors adventure are welcome to call 225-715-9581 or visit trinitydisabledadventures.com.