Press Releases

ALEXANDRIA, VA (August 13, 2009) – The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) today announced a new donation program for its national Take Me Fishing™ campaign. The program, featured on RBFF.org and TakeMeFishing.org, helps fulfill one of RBFF’s goals to generate program income outside of its federal funding. This goal, set by the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council (SFBPC), will contribute to the Foundation’s mission of increasing participation in boating and fishing.

“The Take Me Fishing campaign benefits our industry by giving boaters and anglers of all ages and experience levels the tools they need to learn, plan and equip for a day on the water,” said RBFF President and CEO Frank Peterson. “RBFF utilizes a comprehensive approach to reach these outdoor enthusiasts which includes online tools, industry partnerships, education grants, advertising, direct mail marketing and communications. This donation program is a great opportunity for additional program income to increase participation, award additional grants for youth education, and contribute to conservation efforts across the country.”

TakeMeFishing.org, the centerpiece of the campaign, is the most comprehensive boating and fishing Web site available nationwide. The site earned national recognition in 2009 with three awards – a Bronze Anvil from the Public Relations Society of America, a Gold Circle Award from the American Society of Association Executives and the site’s social network ‘Fishington’ was recognized as a Webby Award Honoree.

Anglers’ Legacy, a national mission from Take Me Fishing, works to increase first-time boating and fishing experiences. Since the program’s inception in May 2006, more than 175,000 Ambassadors have signed on nationwide. Based on a recent RBFF survey, Ambassadors purchase approximately $140 in fishing tackle and equipment, $153 in boating supplies and accessories, and more than three fishing licenses which support critical fish and wildlife management efforts through the Sport Fish Restoration Program.

For more information about the new donation program, visit RBFF.org.

About 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 helps people discover, share and protect the legacy of boating and fishing through national outreach programs including the Take Me Fishing™ campaign and Anglers’ Legacy™.

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