The annual Corpus Christi Fishing Tournament, held for the past five years to benefit the American Diabetes Association (ADA), saw its biggest event ever on August 5. A total of 84 anglers lined up to vie for the championship. The winners were Trout: Ricky Dodd with 4.40 lbs.; Drum: Julian Lugo with 4.6 lbs., and Red Fish: Domingo Lopez with 7.90 lbs. When all this years fundraising efforts were over, and there were many throughout the community. Over $13,100 was raised. That brings to over $45,600 the Dismas program has raised in the five years of the event. “This year we received cash donations, door prizes and silent auction items, and fundraisers at several different restaurants,” said Director Mike Corona. “This year’s fishing tournament surpassed our expectations and special thanks go out to the Dismas Team family and friends for their support for, without them, it would not have been possible. This was a team effort that had our team registering individuals for the tournament, selling raffle tickets at social gatherings, Community Relations Board Meetings, social events and anywhere else we could sell tickets.” Of special significance were fundraisers at Gracia Mexican Cantina, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Nashville’s Mockingbird Restaurant (co-owned by Corona’s son, Michael), and a two-night stay at a Santa Fe, New Mexico condo, donated by Den Freaney. Other door prizes included two courtside tickets to a San Antonio Spurs game donated by Eagle Pass Pediatric; a bay guided fishing trip for four, donated by Leeward Adventures; a kayak, donated by Corona’s spouse Angela, and other prizes and donations from the following: Academy Sport Center, New Braunfels Smokehouse, Auto Nation, Jason Paul, Ecolab, Navy Army Community Credit Union, Scuttlebutt’s Seafood Bar and Grill, Jonathan Ugal, Attorney Ron Barroso, Fulton Construction, Holiday Inn North Padre Island, Port Royal Ocean Resort, Candlewood Suites, Embassy Suites, Patio Cooler, FSG, Husky Trailers, Jeremy Scott, Gulf Coast Marine, Captain Joe Gonzalez, U.S. Foods, Alpha Building Corporation, John White, Surfside Sandwich Shop, Fin Factory Charters, Supercuts, Home Depot, Esmeralda Serda, and Island Italian Restaurant. Dee Ann Judd, a diabetic since childhood made a touching and inspiring presentation about growing up with diabetes. ADA Area Director Jim Saunders, came from San Antonio to show his support. Corona issued a special thanks to Ruben Chavez for conducting the weigh-in. Photo identities: #1, check presentation showing (from left) Saunders, Corona, Corpus Christi Assistant Director Cleo Campos, and ADA representative John White; #2 Trout winner Dodd; #3 Steel Drum musician Tanya Edwards; #4 contestants gather for the prizes; #5 (from left) Retired BOP Regional Safety Specialist Shawn McAlpine, Angela Corona, Melissa Cano, Alyssa Chrisope, Regional Vice President Joe Driver and Chrystal Deleon.
