It is amazing to see how something can start so small, so simple, and with a little hard work and determination it can grow into what it is today.
A few short years ago, MICDC (Michigan Crappie Dot Com) had a pretty small following. A select few "core" members would meet each spring and fall to share in fellowship, friendship, and fun. Many events were during cold weather months (it snowed at our 2013 event) and had a very small group of people (I think there was six of us at Hamlin Lake). Fast forward just a few short years and we have moved from pop-up shelters to renting entire pavilions.
I consider it a privilege to be a part of organizing or helping to organize the last three events. Success is not measured by the work of one person. It is measured by the group of people he surrounds himself with. MICDC is a mixture of people from all age groups, walks of life, and locations throughout the state. We share a common bond that links us all together. Although fishing (particularly Crappie) is the mortar that holds it all together, the helping of our fellow man is truly catalyst that drives our members. If "giving" is a barometer for measuring how one helps his fellow man, that barometer reached its peak during our outing held on Saturday.
In April, Yankee Doodler (Don) proposed an idea that we had previously discussed a few years back. Instead of simply having a fishing tournament, offering some door prizes, and holding our pot luck at this years spring event, why not have a raffle and provide to the proceeds to a local Charity.
All of the raffle items were donated by members of MICDC. Many of the items were new or slightly used items. They ranged from downriggers and bricks of 22 shells, to edible bird houses, electric heaters, tackle boxes, fishing rods, and even a little kids pink fold up chair. Don and Carol were in charge of setting up the raffle and selling tickets at the Liars club on Friday night and during the pot luck on Saturday. ALL of the proceeds would help benefit a local charity. After doing some research, Don and Carol found "Camp Newaygo". Mark (the representative on hand during Saturday's event) explained that Camp Newaygo was really two camps in one. A week long overnight camp for under privileged girls, and a day camp for other youth within the area. Cost for 1 girl to go to camp for a week was over $500 dollars while the cost of the day camp for an entire week was over $100.00. He had just gotten work that they did NOT have any scholarship money for the county of Newaygo.
All of us remember a father, mother, grand parent, or other significant figure in our youth that introduced us to the great outdoors. Many of us attribute this introduction to making us the people we are today. Image our life in the not to distant future where there are no fellow man or women to take our place. Many of todays children are not afforded the same opportunities as us. By helping the members in this community we are ensuring that we are releasing our "future MICDC members" to continue or legacy.
I'm proud to say that from the raffle proceeds alone, we were able to donate $600.00 to Camp Newaygo. Additionally, will the donation of T-shirts from Ed, Planner Boards from Off-Shore tackle, and other equipment for our fishing contest, MICDC was also able to donate the proceeds in the amount of $200.00. All total, we donated $800 dollars to camp Newaygo!
Every MICDC member should be able to walk away from this weekends event with the feeling of accomplishment and pride. Yes we caught fish, yes we had good food, and yes we had good fellowship. More importantly, we aided a program within a community to desperately needed our help. For that we can all be proud.
I would like to thank Slab, for his raffle donations as well as the T-shirt and hat donations. Also, for starting the best family forum on the internet.
Don (Yankee Doodler) and Carol (Cakelady) for organizing the raffle and choosing the program to sponsor.
Kevin (Skillet007) for donating his time in creating a custom Crappie fishing rod.
Bruce and Nick (Owners of Offshore tackle) for their planner board, tadpole, and hat donations. As always, these guys are introducing new and exciting ways to try and target crappie.
Flytier (Tim) for the T-shirt donation. Once again, Lewis leaves with a prize from the MICDC table!
The "Dam" Toy Store for their donation. Congrats to (I'm going to butcher the spelling) Darrell for his 2nd place 1lb 4oz crappie!
To Alboy and his family for donating the pavilion.
Special thanks to "BILLBOB" for making the journey to Michigan and gracing us with your presence. With the help of the television show "Michigan Out of Doors" soon, everyone in Michigan will know who BillBob is!
I would like to congratulate John (Steelguy) on his big fish winning 1lb 6oz crappie as well as his heaviest 5 fish win totaling 4lbs even. I know you will get use out of those planner boards!
Thank you to everyone for making a great event. I'm sorry if I cannot remember everyone. Please add others that I have forgotten.
I look forward to seeing everyone in the fall.
