2013 KVD Charity Classic returns to Kent Lake with the Detroit Lions

[djkimmel]

2013 KVD Charity Classic Back on Kent Lake

Detroit Lions and Kevin VanDam team up again for a charity fishing tournament on Monday, June 10, 2013

The 2013 KVD Charity Classic returns to Kent Lake Monday, June 10, 2013 allowing anglers the chance to fish and compete with the Detroit Lions and seven-time BASS Angler of the Year, Kevin VanDam. The event consists of a day on the lake competing with Head Coach Jim Schwartz, players, alumni, KVD and other Elite Anglers to catch the biggest bass.

Read complete article on GreatLakesBass.com Tournament News.

[djkimmel]

There is a PDF link available along with a timeline for the fishing day in the news article. Details may not be complete and possibly subject to change yet at this early date.

Please note there will be no private angler boats in the event this year. All charity sponsors will fish with an Elite Series pro or local angler guide and Detroit Lions players, personnel and alumni (in noted levels) in a provided boat.

[t-bone]

Last year was expensive and this year is even higher. Going for the corporate sponsor and really not anyone else. Bummer....

[markgoetsch]

How could one go about volunteering to be a boater for this event?

[djkimmel]

Last year was expensive and this year is even higher. Going for the corporate sponsor and really not anyone else. Bummer....

They do have a high goal to raise for charity. I was told they lowered the entry level price but I believe private anglers could get in last year for $1,500/3 anglers. I have not clarified a few things yet since it is early in the process - the meeting that produced this document was only a week and a half ago. I was not there so I don't have further details. I may when I hear back from the Lions PR person.

There are no private angler (boater) spots this year. Only the Silver Sponsor and up, which will all use provided boats. The $1,500 is for companies to have a product table and some listings at the weigh in/auction/dinner.

Still, anyone can get into the weigh in part of the show for $100 (which can include 2 kids 12 and under). I do not have complete details on what is included in that yet.

This event is really, really good for fishing and bass tournament fishing. Last year's event played an instrumental role in getting the 2013 Bassmaster Elite event on Lake St. Clair, which played a role (along with Michigan's 'fairy godfather' Mark Zona) in getting the September All Star Week in Michigan too!

[djkimmel]

How could one go about volunteering to be a boater for this event?

I'm not sure at this point. There was a private poll of several people last year. As I mentioned above, I'm told there will be no private angler boats this year. They have restructured that part of the event with more pro anglers volunteering. They probably have a list of local experts lined up to cover  depending upon how many Silver Sponsors they sign up.

I do not think things are 100% set yet though they may be close to that. I have not talked to anyone directly involved in the last meeting.

The final number of boaters may go up if they get more corporate and charity-minded angler sponsors with some extra money to donate.

Since they have ramped up participation and marketing to companies this year, I guess anything is possible at this early time. I expect they have a pretty good list of willing boaters lined up from last year, but if I hear anything about a need for more boaters and I am asked I would pass that information along. They are most likely all set but you never know for sure.

My advice to anyone who did not participate as a volunteer boater last year would be to find a sponsor/company and talk them into donating to this excellent charity event along with mentioning your name as a worthy boater volunteer. Not sure that would work but I always say it never hurts to try.

There were a few volunteers last year who ended up as camera boats and other on-the-water helpers besides taking out fishing groups. I have no idea yet what I will be doing. I don't have my truck fixed or boat back, but I hope I do by June!?! Then I have to make sure cameraguy is available June 10 since he is the video/photo expert not me. (I don't want to embarrass him or give away secrets I may have promised to keep - darn memory! - but his video was used by a number of other cool people since the event as a favor and he was not credited publicly - oh, we will be calling those 'chips' in though...  .)

[cameraguy]

1:07am?! Get some sleep, for cryin' out loud!

[djkimmel]

It's the only time I had Internet for a couple hours!!!

[djkimmel]

Just wanted to add that dinner is still included in the $100 weigh in tickets in case anyone was wondering.

Also, I have confirmed that there are no limits on the number of Silver Sponsor spots they will sell for charity. KVD is bringing more Elite Series and pro anglers to volunteer as boaters this year, and they will get local experts to take any additional sponsors who sign up.

I expect this year to be a pretty big deal for charity and for the promotion of bass fishing, tournament anglers and the Detroit Lions' community services!

[djkimmel]

I have uploaded an updated PDF 2013 KVD Charity Classic promotional document from the Detroit Lions PR person. They have updated the schedule of events on June 10 to different times later in the day.

I will share any new information as it becomes available. I have it on my calendar since the only person who could probably keep me from being there will also be there - so I should be good to go! cameraguy is open so far so a little sabotage if necessary and plying him with some free donuts might work there!

I hope some of you can make it too! It should be even more fun this year! It is for a number of great causes, and really does advance our goals of more and better bass fishing in Michigan!