Fishing Derby Raises Money for the Spokane Shriners Hospital

For years, Jerry and Kim Gallagher have held fundraising events for the Spokane Shriners Hospital. One of their most popular events is their Area 36 Music Festival, a weekend full of live music, silent auctions, raffles and camping.

When COVID-19 hit, Kim and Jerry knew they had to cancel the festival, but they still found a way to continue their stewardship efforts. For the second year in a row, they hosted a fishing derby on Lake Roosevelt. Participants were able to enjoy a weekend of fishing while social distancing and raising money for the Spokane Shriners Hospital.

“The derby was fun and a perfect fit for our quarantine year,” said Kim Gallagher.

For a $50 entry fee, contestants had an opportunity to win 20% of the money collected. All they had to do was catch the biggest fish of the weekend! Those who are not big on fishing but still wanted to participate could sponsor their favorite angler.

The lucky 2020 winner was Gary VanDrew, who kindly donated his winnings to the Spokane Shriners Hospital. VandDrew’s tournament sponsor was a former patient of the Spokane Shriners Hospital, who swiftly donated her winnings back to the hospital as well.

“We had a very successful second annual derby, and are tickled with the participation with such little notice, so we are already pumped for next year,” said Kim.

Learn more about the derby on Facebook.