We would like your help!

[chadk66]

My name is Chad Mahlum, and I am the founder and executive director of a recently formed charitable non-profit organization entitled Fishing for Memories. What we are is an outreach program for underpriviledged and disabled kids and adults, and senior citizens. Our organization takes these individuals on day-long fishing trips to our local lakes here in ND. We differ from other organizations by taking doing this five days per week throughout the ice free season. Each day we try to take 2 or 3 individuals on these trips. Our participants are nominated to our organization by our local disability associations, youth counselors, clergy, youth groups, retirement associations, etc. Walleyecentrals' own Scott Golden is on our board of directors, and has provided a spot on the home page here on this site for Fishing for Memories. We have been very fortunate in our quest for equipment donations. Crestliner donated a boat, Shoreland'r a trailer, and Mercury gave us a huge discount on a motor. Also, Vexilar has donated an edge2 locator, and Guest a couple onboard chargers. I can't say enough for the companies that have given so graciously to our organization. But we are in real need for cash donations to keep this organization going. Today was actually our first day on the water with the program, and complete with a camera crew from the local CBS tv station, we managed to have a great day and even caught a couple fish. Here's where you come in. Right now we are having a raffle. You can check us out on our web site at fishingformemories.org, and go to the raffle page and see what we are offering. The tickets are $5 each, and I know that may sound high but it is for a wonderful cause. I know that if each one of you just buys one ticket, we can get off to a great start in this endeavor. We have it set up on the site so that you can pay for the tickets through paypal. Most of you are probably familiar with using paypal, but for those that aren't here's how it is done. Once at the site, just click on the paypal icon off of the raffle page. Once at paypal, just sign up, using your credit card. It's very easy. Then just fill in how many tickets you want and put your user name & email in the lower box and send it off. If you have any problems or questions please email me at chadk66@yahoo.com. I really appreciate you taking the time to read this and thanks a million for the support.
sincerely
Chad Mahlum
Executive Director

[tideye]

Sounds like a good cause. I just bought 2 tickets. I expect to see some photos of really happy kids on your web site next time I visit it.
good luck.
Jim

[chadk66]

Your a great guy and god bless you. I had three kids out today on our first day and two we're from newly divorced households. One caught a 4lbr and the other a 2lbr. It was a beautiful day, no breeze and sunny. The tv crew had a blast and the kids were thrilled to death. One of the most rewarding days I have ever had myself.
thanks again
chad

[tideye]

Sounds to me like you are the good guy and god bless you and all that are putting this together. It's a heartwarming endevor.

Hey guys pony up for the kids less fortunate than ourselves.

I wish you many more such expiriences.
Jim

[Mark]

Chad,

What percentage of my donation goes to the cause? 100%, 75% or ?

[chadk66]

Great question Mark. %100 percent of the donations go to the cause. All the prizes were donated. thanks
chad

[groovymoe]

Chad: My question is, does your organization work out of North Dakota only, or is it a nationwide thing. If it's a nationwide organization, maybe you could ask for people to volunteer to open their boat for the cause. The financial side of that idea I think would be more profitable for you, and I think you may get more participation from the general public. Just a thought. Good luck.

groovymoe

[Mckoz]

Sounds great - I tried the paypal I think it worked - let me know otherwise. Good Luck

Mike Kozlowski
North Lake, WI

[chadk66]

Thanks McKoz, we really appreciate it. Groovymoe, as far as outside ND goes, here is our plan. We have a grant writer on our board of directors, along with some other very talented and incredible people. If we can hit some home runs with some major national foundations or something of that nature, we plan to develope other chapters in other states. We have had quite a few people interested in donating their time and boat and we are working those possibilities. Our immediate concern is liability issues and we are working on the answers to that. I appreciate all the feedback you guys are giving and I will try to answer any more you have. Who knows, maybe some of you can possibly go to work for our organization full time taking these individuals fishing sometime in the near future.
thanks
chad

[chadk66]

I just need to add one thing I forgot. The raffle tickets are as I said $5 each or 5 for $20. We were unable to get it set up properly with paypal to be able to punch in 5 and only put in $20 so just put in 4 and $20 and we will catch it and email you your 5 numbers. Thanks again.
chad

[tbomn]

Chad,

Just sent my donation, hope it helps. I would be interested in helping out with this organization if it ever extends to Minnesota. Thanks to you for the kids!!!

"I respect faith, but doubt is what gives you an education."
Wilson Mizner

Good Fishin'
TBO/MN

[chadk66]

Thanks tbo your a good man. I will keep you in mind and in my prayers.
chad

[Nancy]

Chad, please give your addresss for those of us that would like to donate products for your new and wonderful cause. These products can either be used in your boat(s) or raffled. Your choice.
You're the best!
Nancy
JNB Originals, Inc.

[chadk66]

Thanks Nancy,
Our Address is Fishing for Memories, PO Box Surrey, ND 58785. The address is also listed on our site at fishingformemories.org. Once again thanks,
chad

[Dave in Mpls]

Sounds like a great organization, Chad

I've purchased a couple tickets, provided I didn't screw anything up in the PayPal deal! It said something about 2 tickets and $10, so I have to assume I did something right!

Our best to the kids!

Regards

[fishtrap3]

Just sent my $20, sounds like a great orginization. Wish you guys the best of luck.

[chadk66]

Thanks you two, It's people like all of you that will make this organization prosper and allow us to let these deserving people enjoy the most enjoyable sport on the planet.
thanks again
chad

[ufda]

There's another $10 for you. Do you need any used equipment donations? You know, things that work fine, but we replaced them in our arsenal with new toys?
ufda

[Badger]

Sounds like an excellent idea. You've got my $10.00!

Be sure to post pictures when you get 'em!

[chadk66]

Thanks ufda,
Any donations will be greatly appreciated, used or new. God bless all of you.
chad

[Mark Trottier]

I saw Chad out there on his first trip out. The kids seemed very excited and had a great time. I was having some motor problems and Chad and the boys took some time out to help hold my boat while I backed the trailer down the ramp. Chad you are a class act and doing a great thing. I encourage everyone to help with this great cause. In todays world it seems that we all would like to help but don't take the time to get involved and follow through, Chad has taken the time an effort to do this and I wish him great sucess with this program. Mark

[chadk66]

Thanks for the kind words Mark. I hope you and I can spend a little time together this summer. I'll keep in touch.
thanks again
chad

[lindylou]

Sounds like an awesome program, count on me for support!

[shadling]

Just bought some tickets. Hope it went through ok. Sounds like an excellent program, and I wish you all the best.

[This belongs on top]

n/m

[eyexer]

This sounds like one of the best programs I have ever heard of. I'll buy five tickets to help out. Good Luck with the program.

[FSHLIMO]

Chad,

Great job! I'll be happy to support such a worthy cause! All of the Walleye Central regulars are hereby challenged to ante up!

[tideye]

back to top

[tly]

Can you provide an address where we may ship donations of equipment and tackle? Sounds like a wonderful program.

[chadk66]

Thanks again for the inquiry. The address is Fishing for Memories, PO Box 294 or 112 2nd ave. nw, Surrey, ND 58785. We appreciate all the help we have received by all of you. We will have pictures up on the site soon I hope. Once again our site is fishingformemories.org.
thanks
chad
\
Also, don't forget about the raffle, the drawing is on July 16th so that is drawing near. They can be purchased on our site buying them with a credit card through paypal. Any questions just email me at Chadk66@yahoo.com.
thanks again.

[GregK]

BRAVO!!!!!

Anybody into fishing who does not caugh up for this one should lose double digit eyes at the boat every time.

We know this is your first year, but as soon as you catch your breath the idea needs to go national. It's just too good no to. Keep my address on your list for whatever.

[GregK]

This should stay on top forever.

[chadk66]

Greg,
thanks a million for your support. you are truly a great person. This organizaton will truly make a difference in peoples lives with help from people like you.
once again thanks
chad mahlum

[GregK]

No Chad, we should be thanking you. The rest of you guys get off it and help out. If you can throw money at the boat dealer you can help with this. We're only talking about the price of a crank bait.

[Eyeowa]

This deserves to be at the top!

[Bob M]

Chad, Great to see an organization such as this getting it's start in North Dakota. Just purchased my 5 raffle tickets and wanted to compliment you on what you are doing. Take care and keep up the good work.

Good fishing,
Bob M

[Dave]

For all of you that know Chad, you understand why he is doing this! He's a great guy, and is more concerned with helping others above his own needs - Keep up the good work!

[chadk66]

Greg,
send me your email address, the one you left on paypal won't go through and I want to email you your raffle ticket numbers. Thanks again.
chad

[chadk66]

Bob and Dave,
Thanks for the support. There are no words to tell of my thanks. God bless both of you and have a safe and fun summer. The support from everybody is overwhelming.
Chad

[Chad]

Chad,

If you are looking for any donations send me or email me a request along with some info on your org. Our local club, FM Walleyes Unlimited Inc., in Fargo/Moorhead may be willing to help you out with some $$$.

Chad Maloy
Vice Pres, FM Walleyes Unlimited Inc
Chad.Maloy@GateCityBank.com

[chadk66]

Chad,
I'm sending you an email. Our server has been down for about 3 days.