The second in a series of limited-edition lure kits designed to help fund cancer research was introduced today at the CITGO Bassmaster Classic presented by Busch Beer.
Conceived by Florida’s Kissimmee-St. Cloud Convention & Visitors Bureau and local pro angler Terry Segraves, the “Lure for a Cure” kit introduces three limited-edition lure colors designed by top pros.
Bomber Lures was selected to produce the second-edition kit featuring top Bassmaster pros Segraves, Peter “T” Thilveros and the legendary Roland Martin, each of whom are sponsored by other lure manufacturers but committed to this effort. Bomber Lures selected its Pro Model Suspending B14AP for the new “Lure for a Cure” kit and touts the lure as a tough, true-running performance lure ideal for a variety of freshwater and saltwater game fish.
“My immediate family has not been touched by cancer, but seeing friends go through it, I plan to do my best to keep it that way,” said Martin. The original “Lure for a Cure” kit was launched at last’s year’s Bassmaster Classic and featured Heddon lures designed by Segraves, Tim Horton and Sam Swett.
Proceeds from the sale of each lure kit will go to The V Foundation for Cancer Research, the organization started in 1993 by ESPN and Jim Valvano, the popular basketball coach and commentator who lost his battle with cancer 11 years ago. The kit now is available at lurenet, priced at $14.95.
In unveiling the new “Lure for a Cure” kit, promoters emphasized the resolve and lack of partisanship within the fishing community, as corporate politics and financial gain were set aside to join forces to find cures for cancer.
Nick Valvano, brother of Jim Valvano and V Foundation CEO, applauded the anglers and companies who have committed themselves to fighting the disease.
“It is truly heartwarming to be associated with so many conscientious and concerned people and agencies whose primary motivation is to help in efforts to find cures for cancer. We are deeply appreciative of how the fishing industry, fans, anglers and corporate sponsors, have taken up the fight and are investing time and resources to help fund essential cancer research,” he said.
“To know this product continues to gain the support of the biggest names in professional fishing and their many loyal fans indicates how important it is to find a cure for this disease,” Segraves commented. “I take my hat off to the many fans who recognize the importance of this effort and of how the fishing industry is dedicated to helping in the fight against cancer.”
As part of the announcement of the new lure kit, The V Foundation was presented a check for $10,000, representing contributions derived from the sale of the first “Lure for a Cure” kit. It also was announced that an additional $40,000 was raised for The V Foundation from the Kissimmee-St. Cloud Convention & Visitors Bureau’s annual Angling Against Cancer Benefit Dinner and Tournament.
“We felt the ‘Lure for a Cure’ kit was the perfect way to extend the efforts already under way through the Angling Against Cancer Benefit Dinner and Tournament to an even wider audience,” said Tim Hemphill, the Kissimmee-St. Cloud Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Executive Director.
Entering its fifth year, the Angling Against Cancer fund-raiser held each November in Kissimmee brings together many of the sport’s top pros, who attend a benefit dinner and then volunteer time to fish alongside local sponsors to help raise money for the fight against cancer.
