Rampin’ It Up Big Bass Tournament Winners

Chris Maxwell was the lucky angler with the biggest bass (9 lbs. 7 oz.) winning the $500 cash prize sponsored by Magnify Credit Union in the Friends of the Parks Foundation’s first-ever benefit bass tournament held April 9^th at Lake Shipp Park on the Winter Chain of Lakes Saturday.  The proceeds from the Foundation’s Rampin’ It Up Big Bass Benefit Tournament will provide dedicated funding for public lakes access projects in Polk County.  Laura Tenpenny, Magnify marketing executive, presented the check and trophy.

The $2,500 first place prize was awarded to Dustin Bozeman (Lakeland Junior Bassmasters Club) and Chris Maxwell for a Total Weight of 23 lbs. 4 ounces.     Rick Wilson and Jimmy Williams won $1,000 for second place with a total weight of 18 lbs. 5 ounces.  The $500 third place prize winners were Bryan Winton and D. W. Goodman with a total weight of 17 lbs. 4 ounces.   

Shelly and Terry Jones were winners of the top raffle prize, a $350 Spitfire Kayak with Escape Paddle donated by David Sims (left), Action Watersports of Auburndale.  The drawings for the kayak, Rick Powers’ art prints and lots of other great prizes were awarded following the 1:00 PM weigh-in.  Action Watersports exhibited its products and services at the event along with Rick Powers and other tournament partners and sponsors: Chevrolet Center, Marine Supply, Jarrett Gordon Ford, Hoppy’s Marine Sports Center, Coastal Angler Magazine, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Andy Thornal Company, Bridgemaster Fishing Products, Parker’s Custom Canvas & Awnings, Metal Mommas, Katydid Fishing Products, Lake Region Lakes Management District, Dershimer Insurance Agency, Jean Reed, Regal Automotive Group, Smokin’ Jim’s Bar-B-Q, and the City of Winter Haven.

David Hupp, chair of Friends for Public Lakes Access, the Foundation’s recently formed sub-committee, spearheaded the fund-raising effort in partnership with the City of Winter Haven and Ron’s Tackle Box, LLC of Lake Alfred.                                                    

The Friends of the Parks Foundation is a local non-profit organization whose board of directors includes: Marian Ryan, President, Dennis Guenther, Vice-President, Deena Wilbur, Treasurer and board members Mimi Hardman, Larry Helms, Bob Wiedrich, David Hupp, Chuck Geanangel and Jana McCarty.

Friends for Public Lakes Access is a new sub-committee of the Friends of the Parks Foundation, dedicated to raising funds and awareness for improved and greater public access to public lakes within Polk County.  When you make a tax-deductible gift to Friends of the Parks, you are helping to provide public access to our lakes, as well as trails, environmental lands and neighborhood parks that bring our communities together.  Make a donation today at any Magnify CU location!  For more information, visit www.friendsoftheparks.net.