What started as another bass tournament has turned into a 10-year tradition for anglers and team members Trevor Adams and Chad Christie. The duo began fishing the Dick Hiley St. Jude Bass Classic benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in 2014 and never dreamed that it would evolve to be less about the fishing and more about the mission of St. Jude.
“The first year we raised $2,500 for St. Jude, and every year we increase and think this might be our cap,” laughed Chad. “But then somehow, the support of our friends and family help us raise even more.”
“We started a small event at our friend’s tavern, and it just keeps growing,” said Trevor. “Every year, we are thankful for the support of our friends and family. Everything is donated so that every dollar raised goes directly to St. Jude.”
The moment that the tournament changed from being fishing-first to supporting St. Jude was when the duo heard a patient family speak for the first time. “It was in that moment that we realized there was a lot more that we could be doing,” said Chad. “We had the opportunity to visit St. Jude and it was the most humbling experience of my life. Walking the hallways, you would think it might be somber but it’s a ray of light and hope. When you see what the families are going through – and how thankful they are for our support - it really hits home.”
Inspired by the St. Jude patient families, Chad and Trevor have continued to inspire their local community in Cadott, Wisconsin, and raised over $70,000 last year, nearly doubling their fundraising from the prior year. “There are two times that we have received the Horizon Award, which goes to the team that has the largest year over year growth in fundraising,” said Chad. “We keep thinking this is as good as it gets, and then our community continues to surprise us.”
With the success of their community, family and friends, Chad and Trevor have also established a community within the Dick Hiley anglers. “When it comes to fishing, there may be a bit of competition,” said Chad. “But when it comes to fundraising and supporting each other, we all work together. It might feel intimidating for new anglers considering joining the tournament, but we have an incredible support system across the committee, with St. Jude and other anglers. They make it simple to get your toes in the door and make a difference.”
Trevor and Chad didn’t get to $70,000 through large donations but instead with their average donation around $150. “It takes a lot of people to get to $70,000 and it has been cool to watch it evolve. Just when we think we have hit our max, people prove us wrong and we keep raising more,” said Chad.
As the second highest fundraising team, Trevor and Chad confirmed the second boat to launch. “We had our spot picked out and beelined for it,” laughed Trevor. “We caught two fish right away and then didn’t get another for hours. We always have a plan when it comes to fishing, but it hasn’t panned out yet.”
Last year, in the 25th year of the tournament, the tournament raised more than $1 million. “It is pretty special to be part of this,” smiled Trevor.
“I don’t know that anyone thought we would hit this milestone,” said Chad. “But to tell someone that you were part of a $1 million fundraiser is incredible. We take a lot of pride and are thankful for the people that have helped us get there.”
As they near their 11th year fishing, their hope is to beat their fundraising from last year by one penny. “It’s a lofty goal, and if we have to drop a penny in the bucket to beat it, we’ll be happy,” chuckled Chad.
While the fish may not always cooperate when it comes to tournament time, Chad and Trevor aren’t concerned. “This tournament is about more than fishing,” said Chad. “It’s about the kids and families at St. Jude and the difference that we make in helping bring the mission to life.”
