Ben Bragg Loc: Dayton Ohio

Been working on a charity drive to support urban under priveleged youth.
We have areas of Dayton that are war zones. Cops don’t go there . High poverty . Single parent households and the drug scene . Especially fentanyl deaths are off the charts.
The basic plan is to give kids their own fishing tackle. Something they can be proud to own and use. Also some introductory training and mentor ship.
A few FSers have generously donated gear . Time and monetary contributions.
The supply end is shaping up.
Administration takes a lot of coordination
Here’s what I’ve been working on to make this a success
1. Legitimacy . Have a local pastor covering this end. If I roll into a neighborhood handing a truckload of fishing gear out to kids. I’d be perceived as a creeper! A pastor does it , it’s on the up and up.
2 funding . I have a request in to Bass pro corporate for charatable donation
3 support . I have reached out the rep of our local FOP who handles outreach activities for client base
4 governmental support. Met with newly elected councilwoman for funding earmarked for activities such as these
5 coordination . Arranging a sit down with a local youth support organization. Had prelim with a lovely young woman named Zuly Aslan who just this minute texted me the number of the honcho. Goal is to convince them to help administer this program
6 Provided contact info for local armed forces recruiting office to the pastor so he can recommend an honorable option to those with bleak outlook
7 . Made available leaderships training they a colleague from Boston Mass who has a plan to get kids on track for education and career planning
8 I asked God to help me.

This thing , once it shapes up is gonna really help a lot of kids who could use a break .

As for me, I was one of those kids once. A few lucky breaks and butt tons of determination and very hard work got me out of there.
I’m trying to pay forward

Any help from you my friends would be truly appreciated.
Anything helps
PM me if you can help.
Thanks for reading

Kerry Hansen Loc: Bremerton, WA

teach them to build their own rod. really great when they catch a fish on a rod they made.

Ben Bragg Loc: Dayton Ohio

Hey Kerry. That’s a great idea
I’m so broke in regard to available time!!!
I’m gonna have to burn vacation for a couple days of basic mentoring.

Would love to have the time to teach someone that skill

Bcmech1 Loc: Clinton Wisconsin

You're a good man Ben. The world needs more like you.

bknecht Loc: Northeast pa

A noble pursuit Ben.

Kerry Hansen Loc: Bremerton, WA

You might contact an organization I belong to and that is "RodCrafters". They might have ideas on how to contact schools. This is good for kids. My Grandson is in a public school in CA and his parents were able to get him in "Wood Shop". They normally have projects the kids work on and making it. My Grandson is involved with two other kids with adults in "Cowboy Action Shooting" so he asked his teacher if he could make a cart like other competitors use to move there guns and ammo around at the range, much like a golfer has his clubs made up in a wheeled cart out on the course. Teacher was ok with that and my Grandson worked on it and finished it. Better than a lamp or end table like I did back in the 40's and 50's.

Mauwehu Loc: Norwalk Ct

Good for you Ben. You jumped in both feet. Sounds like you have it together. Have you thought about a go fund me page?

Ben Bragg Loc: Dayton Ohio

No but that is a fantastic idea
I’ll ask my sister how to do that

Mauwehu Loc: Norwalk Ct

It adds some credibility and a little money from a lot of places adds up to a lot of money. With a large amount you can bundle a deal for quantity from a sports shop. When you get this thing off the ground you probably could get some pro fisherman to sign on.

Ben Bragg Loc: Dayton Ohio

No but that is an outstanding idea