By Troy Jens /May 2009 / Guntersville, Alabama - Families with children enduring medical challenges came from several states to YMCA camp Cha-La-Kee, on the shores of North Alabama’s famed Guntersville Lake. The trip was set up by the United Special Sportsman Alliance (USSA) a wish granting charity that has given thousands of cost-free hunting, fishing and other outdoor wishes to children and people across the country. Camp Cha-La-Kee is directed by James Gossett, the director of the YMCA in Huntsville, Alabama. He and his staff provided the camp, food and much of the supplies for the children from 25 families who were invited to the event.
Volunteers donated their time to take the children along with their families fishing and boating. Some of the professional names include Greg Pugh, Steve Canterbury, Randall Tharp, Sam Bass, Rose Ellis and Betty Stahl. Local volunteer anglers joined the fishing Pro’s and brought boats to carry the families out for some fun on the water. Jeffery Eldridge and his crew came to the event to film for the Southern Outdoors Show. There was no shortage of smiles for the camera as the children fished one of the top lakes in the nation for bass and bream.
“It’s just an awesome way to start the summer”, explained Brigid O’Donoghue, the founder and CEO of the USSA and www.childswish.com . She added, “So many of these families endure the adversities of serious medical and physical challenges, but out here there are no boundaries, nothing stands in the way of the great outdoor spirit these kids have. Out here we make connections that are everlasting, and we all feel like family”.
The fishing proved to be incredible for the kids and family members. Many of the kids had never fished before, and others caught the biggest fish they’d ever caught in their lives. The anglers donated their time, and all of the USSA volunteers work on a non-compensated basis. Along with the fishing, participants enjoyed water tubing, boat riding, archery, a gun range and a variety of other outdoor games. Some relaxed on the beach while others played non-stop during the two-day event.
This is the first time the USSA has been to Lake Guntersville in Marshall County, but plans are already being made for a return trip in 2010. Support from the Huntsville Alabama YMCA, local volunteers, Marshall County Alabama and the State Department of Natural Resources helped make the event a great success.
For information on the USSA, visit www.childswish.com / For information on Guntersville lake in North Alabama / visit www.lakeguntersville.org
Volunteers donated their time to take the children along with their families fishing and boating. Some of the professional names include Greg Pugh, Steve Canterbury, Randall Tharp, Sam Bass, Rose Ellis and Betty Stahl. Local volunteer anglers joined the fishing Pro’s and brought boats to carry the families out for some fun on the water. Jeffery Eldridge and his crew came to the event to film for the Southern Outdoors Show. There was no shortage of smiles for the camera as the children fished one of the top lakes in the nation for bass and bream.
“It’s just an awesome way to start the summer”, explained Brigid O’Donoghue, the founder and CEO of the USSA and www.childswish.com . She added, “So many of these families endure the adversities of serious medical and physical challenges, but out here there are no boundaries, nothing stands in the way of the great outdoor spirit these kids have. Out here we make connections that are everlasting, and we all feel like family”.
The fishing proved to be incredible for the kids and family members. Many of the kids had never fished before, and others caught the biggest fish they’d ever caught in their lives. The anglers donated their time, and all of the USSA volunteers work on a non-compensated basis. Along with the fishing, participants enjoyed water tubing, boat riding, archery, a gun range and a variety of other outdoor games. Some relaxed on the beach while others played non-stop during the two-day event.
This is the first time the USSA has been to Lake Guntersville in Marshall County, but plans are already being made for a return trip in 2010. Support from the Huntsville Alabama YMCA, local volunteers, Marshall County Alabama and the State Department of Natural Resources helped make the event a great success.
For information on the USSA, visit www.childswish.com / For information on Guntersville lake in North Alabama / visit www.lakeguntersville.org
