Several members of the St. Micheal club gathered as Glen Cormier (right) presented Kevin Andry (2nd right) monies from a GCC fundraiser.
Last Saturday was the inaugural New Orleans Fly Fishing Expo. Hosted by the New Orleans Fly Fishing Club and held at the new Deutsches Haus on Bayou St. John, the event drew rave reviews from many attendees. It was very well organized, with several unique and informative activities, and a good number of exhibitors.
The FFI Gulf Coast Council was graciously allowed to participate among the several fundraising activities at the Expo. We sold cards for a Gamblers Draw to raise discretionary funds for the St. Micheal Fly Fishing Club at St. Micheals High School in Baton Rouge. The club is one of only a couple dozen high school fly fishing clubs in the United States, and the only one in the GCC region.
A perch float popper tied by St Micheal FF Club member Tanner Pike
The following Monday, Glen Cormier visited St. Micheal High School and on behalf of the GCC, presented the funds to the club and their mentor and instructor, Dr. Kevin Andry. While many of the club members could not attend the ceremony due to schedule conflicts, the members in attendance were thrilled at the prospect of having more equipment. Currently, SMFFC members must share rods and tying vises, sometimes 2 or 3 students to one particular tool.
We wish to thank the New Orleans Fly Fishers for allowing us an opportunity to utilize their event to conduct this fundraiser. And for giving us a table at the event to promote Fly Fishers International and the Gulf Coast Council. We had several inquiries about joining the FFI. Hopefully those will translate to membership.
This fundraiser was just the beginning. The GCC will be working with the club to identify needs that the Council or FFI Education program can provide. Also, several individuals have come forward wishing to make to direct donations to the club.
The club now has an account for direct donations. Please make check payable to:
St. Micheal Fly Fishing Club
And mail to:
St. Micheal High School
17521 Monitor Ave.
Baton Rouge, LA 70817
