Reel in the Sunshine nets $2,608 for Captains for Clean Water
The Floridant/10262355

NAPLES, Fla. - Floridant -- Sunshine Ace Hardware and anglers across Southwest Florida helped raise $2,608 to support Captains for Clean Water at the eighth annual Reel in the Sunshine fishing expo.

Held Feb. 10 in Bonita Springs, Reel in the Sunshine was a free family- and pet-friendly event that attracted approximately 400 attendees who enjoyed vendor-led demonstrations, fishing seminars, product giveaways and exclusive discounts on a wide range of fishing and lifestyle gear, including fishing apparel, rods, reels, lures, hats, sunglasses and other accessories. Grill masters from Weber, Traeger and Big Green Egg also fired up the smokers and offered tasty samples.

Reel in the Sunshine raised money through three initiatives: a charity luncheon, raffle prizes and $5 bucket sales that offered discounts on nearly everything customers could stuff inside.

"Captains for Clean Water is focused on restoring and protecting our aquatic ecosystems, and that's something we all can – and should – unite behind," said Michael Wynn, president of Sunshine Ace Hardware. "Southwest Florida's economy is directly tied to a healthy ecosystem, and that means environmentalists, commercial and recreational anglers, business owners and tourists all have a responsibility to keep our water clean."

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Captains For Clean Water is a nonprofit grassroots organization that works to advance science-based solutions through efforts focused on awareness and education, empowering people to advocate for the region's water quality.

"Sunshine Ace Hardware has grown to be one of Captains for Clean Water's strongest local partners and understands the economic impact and importance of clean water," said Capt. Bob Beville, a board member of Captains for Clean Water. "Reel in the Sunshine provides a venue for the public to interact with many outdoor brands but also hear firsthand about our mission and the status of the numerous projects to improve and protect water quality in South Florida."