Press Releases

ALEXANDRIA, VA (August 25, 2016) – The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) today announced Cabela’s Outdoor Fund has granted $75,000 to the George H.W. Bush Vamos A Pescar™ Education Fund. This generous grant will help to increase awareness and participation of fishing, boating and conservation activities through grassroots programs, classes and on-the-water activities held in high-density Hispanic communities.

“We are encouraged by the strong support of our industry partners, like Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, who are getting involved with this critical initiative,” said RBFF President and CEO Frank Peterson. “The Hispanic audience continues to grow in both size and importance, and it’s imperative that we use effective means to educate Hispanic families about the excitement and value of fishing and boating, and encourage them to participate from a young age.”

Recent participation reports show progress is being made in engaging Hispanics in fishing and boating, however, this audience is still underrepresented overall. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Hispanics currently make up 17 percent of the U.S. population (54 million), and are projected to grow to 20 percent of the U.S. population by 2020. In comparison, out of 46 million total anglers, 3.4 million are Hispanic, representing only 7 percent of all anglers in the U.S.

“The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation and the George H.W. Bush Vamos A Pescar Education Fund have done an outstanding job introducing families and entire communities to conservation, fishing and boating,” said Scott Wanetka, vice president of Cabela’s Outdoor Fund. “Cabela’s Outdoor Fund appreciates the positive impact they’ve had on the communities they serve, and we are proud to support their efforts.”

The George H.W. Bush Vamos A Pescar™ Education Fund was initiated with a $125,000 donation from Bass Pro Shops Founder and CEO Johnny Morris to bring conservation education and fishing and boating experiences to Hispanic families in key metro areas. With the help of similar donations from other individuals, companies and associations, the Fund supports local programs to engage the entire family in fishing and boating, and focuses on multiple engagements rather than one-day events to foster long-term participation in the sport. Earlier this year, the first grantees of the George H.W. Bush Vamos A Pescar™ Education Fund were announced at an event held at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum in College Station, Texas.

More information about the George H.W. Bush Vamos A Pescar™ Education Fund, including how you can contribute, is available at TakeMeFishing.org/educationfund. More information about Vamos A Pescar and all of RBFF’s programs and products is available at TakeMeFishing.org/corporate.

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About the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF)
RBFF is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase participation in recreational angling and boating, thereby protecting and restoring the nation’s aquatic natural resources. RBFF developed the award-winning Take Me Fishing™ and Vamos A Pescar™ campaigns to create awareness around boating, fishing and conservation, and educate people about the benefits of participation. Take Me Fishing and Vamos A Pescar help boaters and anglers of all ages and experience levels learn, plan and equip for a day on the water. The campaign websites, TakeMeFishing.org, and VamosAPescar.org, feature how-to videos, information on how to get a fishing license and boat registration, and an interactive state-by-state map that allows visitors to find local boating and fishing spots.

About Cabela’s Outdoor Fund
Cabela’s Outdoor Fund is a non-profit organization dedicated to efforts that promote and protect hunting, shooting sports, trapping, fishing, camping and conservation. This fund is possible through donations from generous Cabela’s customers who choose to “round up” their purchases to the nearest dollar at Cabela’s stores. The Cabela’s Outdoor Fund contributes to other like-minded organizations in communities across the country working to make the great outdoors even better. Visit http://www.cabelas.com/outdoorfund to learn more.