The Lake Ice Has Long Melted but the Memories Remain

Created by a small group of employees, the Fishing for the Cure ice fishing tournament is for everyday people making a difference in the fight against cancer. All of the proceeds are donated to the American Cancer Society’s local Relay For Life program.

The first tournament, held in 2007, had 112 people fishing. Over the years, participation continued to grow, and 11 years later, the 2017 tournament recorded the highest ever number of participants (926), including 152 children age 12 or younger. 

A Community Effort
There were plenty of fish caught at Alexandria Industries 11th Annual Fishing for the Cure Ice Fishing Challenge, including a huge nine-pound Northern by a 10-year old girl.

A core team of five employees organized the 2017 event, along with nearly 100 volunteers, including a dozen students from the local high school, helped set-up and run the event.

Many local businesses participated by donating great prizes for a raffle drawing. The prizes included a Big Buddie Heater, an Ice Fishing Package, an ION Ice Auger, a Otter Portable Fish House, and a 55-inch flat screen SMART TV. For the grand prize, a local retailer donated an Ice Castle Fish House, valued at more than $8,000.

All of the children 12 and under who participated in the tournament received a free drawstring backpack, winter cap and flashlight.

"Between the 50-degree sunny weather in February, the highest number of participants in 11 years, and raising an incredible amount of money, the tournament was an amazing success," said tournament organizer, Robbie Betterman. “The event raised more than $38,000, shattering our goal of $30,000. This is a huge increase from the first tournament, which raised $620. In its 11 years, Fishing for the Cure has raised more than $100,000.”

The tournament's increasing numbers and wide draw fits with Alexandria Industries' vision for the event. "We want it to be more than a company fundraiser. We want it to be a community event," Betterman said.

If you happen to live in Minnesota, or not, mark your calendars for next year’s tournament – Feb. 17, 2018 – and join us in making a difference in the fight against cancer!