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For more information, contact: J. J. Keller Foundation, Inc. Mary Harp-Jirschele (920) 720-7872 mharp-jirschele@jjkeller.com jjkellerfoundation@jjkeller.com |
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Passion for fishing benefits local programs for young anglers |
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NEENAH, WI (March 13, 2008) – Ever since Brian Keller was a little boy, fishing has been in his blood. Now a 28-year-old member of the professional circuit, fishing is also in his heart.
For every pound of fish the Winneconne, Wisconsin, resident catches in walleye tournament action this season, he will donate $10 to two northeastern Wisconsin programs that teach children to fish. Walleyes for Tomorrow and the YMCA Fox Cities pond at Camp Shioc will both benefit from the success Keller experiences this season. Based on his eight-tournament schedule for 2008, which begins in mid-March, his pledge could be well into the thousands of dollars. And if he makes it to the championship rounds, the programs reap even more benefits. Keller, whose real profession is that of an e-commerce technical manager at J. J. Keller & Associates, Neenah, Wisconsin, participates in the FLW Walleye Tour Pro/Am tournaments, and fishes the Master’s Walleye Circuit with his father, Jim Keller, president and COO of the family business. Both accomplished fishermen with the J. J. Keller Fishing Team, the two are also dedicated to giving back to organizations in the communities in which they live, work and play through the family’s foundation, J. J. Keller Foundation, Inc. The foundation was conceived by Brian’s grandparents, the late Jack and Ethel Keller. Money is donated to non-profit organizations in northeastern Wisconsin that meet certain qualifications. Knowing that children are one of the foundation’s focus areas, Brian – who has a 4-year-old son – came up with the idea to combine his passion for fishing with his love for young anglers. "This is a great opportunity to take what I love doing and turn it into a benefit for kids," Brian said. "I was really lucky to grow up fishing with my Dad – not everyone gets to do that…and some don’t get to fish at all. I’ve always admired what these two programs do, and this is one way I can help them make the programs grow stronger and affect even more kids." Brian, who has been tournament fishing for 10 years, began charter fishing on his Dad’s boat when he was 12, and started guiding when he was 18. In January 2008, he became certified as a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine officer after completing 80 hours of class work and testing. He and his father both hold United States Coast Guard licenses. Walleyes for Tomorrow (WTF) is a Wisconsin organization dedicated to improving the quality of walleye and sauger fishing, and the various Wisconsin chapters annually host educational sessions for young anglers. According to Mike Arrowood, "Walleyes for Tomorrow is committed to making it possible for more young people to participate in fishing by providing them with rods, reels, tackle boxes and tackle – as well as instruction in the right use of equipment. By providing these basic necessities, many young people will be able to enjoy the abundant fishing opportunities that exist here." Arrowood, who is chairman of WFT, noted that the funds will support the group’s youth fishing event set for July 17-20 in Kimberly, as well as other events in Appleton and Oshkosh. Young people who fish at the YMCA’s pond at Camp Shioc will also benefit from Keller’s fishing fortune. The day camp, which is located just east of Shiocton, is attended by 75-80 kids a day for 12 weeks during the summer months. "With the hard winter, we need to restock the pond, which will make fishing much more entertaining for the kids," said Kathy Tennyson, YMCA School Age Director. The Keller funds will provide for spring restocking. "One of the reasons I like these programs is because I think fishing helps kids develop good ethics for their personal and professional lives," Brian said. "I know when I was younger, my focus was on fishing, which didn’t leave time for getting into trouble. I had to get up at 2:30 a.m. to get on the water, so I was in bed early!" For more information, contact: Mary Harp-Jirschele J. J. Keller Foundation, Inc. (920) 720-7872 mharp-jirschele@jjkeller.com Mike Arrowood, chairman Walleyes For Tomorrow 920-579-0106 cnma@execpc.com Kathy Tennyson YMCA Fox Cities 920-954-7642 ktennyson@ymcafoxcities.org |
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