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“Pay It Forward” Veterans Event August 25-28, 2016

This year marks the third annual “Pay It Forward” veterans event up at Lake of the Woods.  The big event happens August 25-28, 2016.  As in past years, Lake of the Woods hosted about 60 injured and disabled veterans for a 3 night / 2 day fishing extravaganza.  Veterans have the opportunity to enjoy world class walleye fishing aboard a charter boat with a professional charter captain on The Walleye Capital of the World.  In addition, there will be great dinners, programs and live entertainment amongst the camaraderie of veterans.

2015-08-22 10.52.05zippel charter spring opener 2015 walleyesteve fishing for life walleye charter summer 2015 pay it forward vetwarriors baudette tent pay it forwardVeterans at Pay It Forwardpay it forward wrapRon Schara at Pay It Forward, Border View Lodgepay it forward charter fish group 2014VFW Lunch, Pay It Forward, Zippel Bay

Celebrity guests this past year included Ron Schara of MN Bound and Terry “Tackle” Tuma, both Hall of Fame anglers.

“We have seen so many good things happen from this event”, explains Joe Henry, Executive Director of Tourism for Lake of the Woods.  “From friendships formed that continue long after they leave Lake of the Woods, to developing a support network of other veterans, getting hooked up with great organizations such as Fishing For Life, learning how to find resources through the VA and other organizations.  This event has enabled healing.  Not being a veteran myself, it is gratifying to watch good things happen to great people who sacrificed for our country.  Some of the sacrifices are physical, some mental, some both.  These men and women deserve an event like this.”

An event like this couldn’t take place without the generosity of resorts, businesses and individuals.  Veterans do not pay for this experience, it is all donated.  Resorts donate all of the lodging, charters and a number of meals.  Other businesses and individuals donate finances and sweat equity.  Everything goes to the event and to the veterans.  If you are interested in donating to this event, please check out our website at www.PayItForwardLOW.org.  Our gold level sponsors (donation of $1,000 or more) receive the lodging, fishing, meals as well as access to all the events for the veterans as part of your donation.  This is a 3 night / 2 day fishing package for two!

Midwest Outdoors TV thought it would be a nice gesture to share some of the experiences of these men and women while attending the Pay It Forward event and sent along a film crew and host Greg Jones.  This show will air both this weekend and the following weekend depending upon what area you live.  Click here for local listings.

 

To see the segment, see below!

The Pay It Forward event is made possible through donations, company sponsors and a lot of volunteer labor  If you are interested in donating, being a company sponsor for the 2016 Pay It Forward event the weekend of August 27th or if you know of someone who is an injured or disabled veteran who may be a candidate for participating in this event, please email Joe Henry at joe.henry@lakeofthewoodsmn.com.

Click Here for more information on the Pay It Forward event.

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