Local Teen Angler To Host 3rd Annual Kayak Bass Fishing Benefit Tournament for Food Allergy Research
What
17 year-old bass angler and Mountain View resident Dean Wu will host the Third Annual Food Allergy Kayak Bass Fishing Benefit Tournament. The event benefits food allergy research at the Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research at Stanford University. All proceeds will go toward funding critical food allergy research.
In total, Wu has raised nearly $20,000 for the Sean N. Parker Center after hosting tournaments in 2021 and 2022. More than 50 anglers registered for the tournament in 2022 held at Lake Pardee and Pua Yang took first place with his top 5 longest bass totaling 76.50”. Participants bid on silent auction items including fishing guide trips and gear and tackle, with all proceeds donated to the Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research.
The fundraising goal for this year’s tournament is $12,000. The event features a silent auction, free raffle and free lunch. Prizes and silent auction items were donated by premier fishing companies including Megabass, River2Sea, Native Watercraft, Columbia, NRS and fast food favorite In-N-Out Burger. Other silent auction items include fishing guide trips, hotel stays and gear and tackle donated by local and national businesses.
To enter the tournament, make a donation or learn more, visit http://www.foodallergybasstournament.com.
When
September 23, 2023, 7:30 a.m. launch time
Where
Braito’s Marina (Clear Lake)
1555 Eastlake Drive
Kelseyville, CA 95451
Why
“I am organizing this fishing tournament to raise money for food allergy research to help other kids like me who have food allergies. Hopefully, they will also be able to live life more freely and discover passions of their own,” says Wu.
Wu’s allergies to dairy and nuts were diagnosed at a very young age. “Living with food allergies has not been easy,” says Wu. “Traveling and eating out were really difficult because I always had to worry about whether there was something safe that I could eat, or whether trace amounts of my allergens could be in the food I ordered. My parents always had to be sure we were close to a hospital in case I had a severe allergic reaction.”
“Then I participated in a clinical trial at the Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research at Stanford University which desensitized me to my allergens. Because I can now tolerate small amounts of my allergens, my life has completely changed. I have much more freedom now, which has led me to discover my love of fishing. I can be out on the lake, far from the nearest hospital and not have to worry.”
“Our hospital is able to provide world-class, nurturing care with the support of our generous community. We are grateful for friends like Dean who want to give back, and support us in our mission to help patients and their families enjoy healthy lives,” says Katherine Powerman, Director of Community Relations at the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health
About:
Dean Wu is a pro staff member of Native Watercraft. This means he has the privilege of sharing his love of kayak fishing to encourage others to join the sport and provide feedback for new product designs across the line of Native fishing kayaks.
According to FARE, a leading nongovernmental organization engaged in food allergy advocacy, food allergies affect an estimated 32 million Americans including 1 in 13 children, and studies estimate that approximately 40% of children with food allergies are allergic to more than one food. A food allergy reaction sends a person to the emergency room every three minutes.
At the Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research at Stanford University:
- $25 supports blood tubes for IgE testing
- $50 supports food allergen extracts for skin prick testing
- $100 supports Basophil Activation Testing
To support this fundraising effort and enable life-saving food allergy research and care, visit foodallergybasstournament.com/donate.
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