Pictured: The support of the Chad Day Fishing Tournament helps to ensure that everyone in our community has access to quality hospice care. Provided photo.

Chad Day was only 23 years old when he was diagnosed with glioblastoma brain cancer, and after 17 months of intense treatment, he was just 24 when he passed away. During his final weeks, Chad received compassionate care from Tidewell Hospice. Despite her worries about the cost of such care, his mom Joann never received a bill from Tidewell.

In honor of Chad's strength, memory and his passion for fishing, Joann and her husband Alan organized a tournament to raise funds for the Tidewell Foundation, which directly benefits Tidewell Hospice. This event has since become a cherished springtime tradition, drawing the community together to remember Chad and make a tangible difference for others in need of similar care.

"It's incredible to see how this event has grown," says Joann "We are overwhelmed by the support from the community, and we hope to welcome even more teams to help us honor Chad’s memory and support Tidewell Hospice." Alan notes that the most challenging part of this event has been attracting enough fishing teams to participate. “We have been getting 10-14 teams each year and our goal is to have 20-25 teams."

This year, the tournament will be held at Tarpon Bay Grill & Tiki Bar, located at 7150 Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. Festivities will officially kick off after the captain’s meeting on Saturday, April 5, with the final picture submissions due by 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 6.

The family-hosted gathering will feature a catch-and-release fishing tournament on Sarasota Bay, along with raffle prizes, a silent auction and a 50/50 drawing. Over 30 raffle baskets, handmade by the family and filled with items generously donated by the business community, will be on display, with the total worth of the items exceeding $10,000. Several silent auction items will also be available for bidding. Cash prizes will be awarded for placing in each species of fish, giving teams 11 chances to win. One lucky team will have a chance to win up to $3,700. With $78,000 already raised, this year's event aims to surpass the milestone of $100,000 in net proceeds.

Pictured: The support of the Chad Day Fishing Tournament helps to ensure that everyone in our community has access to quality hospice care. Provided photo.

For more information on registration, sponsorship opportunities or donations, click here.