Professional Anglers On Hand at Northwestern Health Sciences University Bass Challenge Fundraiser

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – A hot, sunny day was the backdrop for the sixth annual Ultimate Bass Challenge on July 10, 2009 at Lord Fletcher’s on Lake Minnetonka. The event was a fundraiser for Northwestern Health Sciences University, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Starkey Hearing Foundation. The festive event included a bass fishing tournament sponsored by Ranger Boats; a half-day VIP cruise aboard a chartered boat for close-up views of the fishing boats; a world-class poker tournament; live music; and dozens of raffle prizes.

Tom Schmidt, DC, and Brad Wildberg, DC, took home top honors with a winning catch weighing in at 12.64 lbs. Their guide was Seth Feider. There were two woman professional anglers at the event, Janet Parker and Karen Savik. Savik, who also owns the Original Pancake House restaurant in Wayzata, Minn., fished with Dillon Forseth, daughter of Brady Forseth, BA, the University’s chief development officer. Their group brought in a respectably-sized 10.57-pounder. Ranger Boats provided 25 fully-equipped Bass boats and fishing pros for the event.

Angler Wayne Ecker left his home in Alexandria, Minn., at 3 a.m. to get to the event for the 8 a.m. start. John Mack, DC, and Corey Touney, DC, fished with him. “He put us right where the fish were biting,” said Dr. Mack. “Thanks for coming out today. We had a blast.”

“It is very gratifying to have so many people come out in support of the University,” said Mark Zeigler, DC, president of Northwestern. “We’re especially grateful to the many individuals, sponsors and partners who help make this such an outstanding event year after year.”

The poker tournament was a new addition this year. Organized by the Minnesota-based World Poker Store, 52 players got into the action for a suggested $250 donation and the chance to win a $10,000 seat at the Sports Legends Challenge tournament. The winner was Robert O’Connell, whose wife Maria is a 2008 Northwestern graduate.

“We’re really pleased with the whole day,” added Forseth. “We brought people together out at a beautiful venue on a beautiful day, and raised good awareness and donations for both the University and Starkey Hearing.”