A very dedicated group of fishermen took part on Saturday, May 3, 2023 in the Cleveland Masonic Lodge's 3rd Annual Charity Bass Fishing Tournament at Moss Lake's Main Landing. The money raised - which later amounted to over $16,000 - will benefit, according to the flier, the Life Enrichment Center Adult Day Care & Health Services.

Cleveland Masonic Lodge #202 members Bryan Gordon and Chris Canipe talked recently about Lodge #202's 3rd Annual Charity Bass Fishing Tournament, which was held at Moss Lake's Main Landing on Saturday, May 6, 2023, and raised $16,200. A facsimile check for $5,000 was presented recently by the members of Lodge #202 to the local charity, the Life Enrichment Center of Shelby. The Lodge's main charity normally, noted Gordon, is the Masonic Home for Children in Oxford, N.C. To date, the men noted, $11,200-plus has been raised just for Cleveland County.

Gordon noted in an email that money raised in their three annual fishing tournaments is: 2023 - $16,200; 2022 - $13,000; and in 2021 - $9,000.

"Money paid to local charities," he added, "was, 2023 - $5,000; 2022 - $4,000; and in 2021 - $2,200."

Over 60 participants took part in the tournament, noted Gordon, with about 120 folks at the weigh-in, or 180 in total.

"Our goal that day was $20,000, and we raised about $16,200," said Gordon. "We are always taking donations though, and those can be made by scanning our QR Code (in this article's photos), or by contacting the Masonic Lodge at clevelandlodge202@gmail.com, or phoning (704) 466-0895, and talking with someone about donating to help children." Additionally, checks can also be made out to the Cleveland Masonic Lodge and sent to the Lodge at P.O. Box 247, Shelby, N.C. 28151.

Gordon and Canipe, members of Lodge #202, said they came up with the idea of starting a fishing tournament, adding they would like to see it "really catch on and grow from year to year."

"Yes, that's right," agreed Canipe. "When we started this, it was our desire to see it grow in order to make sure that we can give back to our community."

Both men noted the Lodge's first charity fishing tournament (2021) was for the Junior Charity League of Shelby, followed by last year's charity tournament (2022) for Hospice of Cleveland County, then this year's fishing tournament (2023) for the Life Enrichment Center of Shelby.

The two noted that over the past three years, they have collected over $40,000, utilizing the tournament as a vehicle for donations and collecting funds for their cause. Gordon also noted they gave out $6,500 in cash and prizes to the contestants.

Here is a partial list of just some of the many sponsors of the event: McKinney Insurance, LLC; Whitetail Properties; Two Kings Casino; SafetyTest; the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office; Berry Business Systems; CRM Insurance; HSi Hord Service; Leonard Buildings & Truck Accessories; Lucky Lady Trucking; Palmetto Roofing Specialties; the Great Outdoors (in Cherryville, NC); and the Bass Shack (Shelby). The men also noted there were numerous sponsors who wished to remain anonymous.

Canipe and Gordon wanted to say a big "Thank You" to all who participated in the fishing event, adding they hope to be able to do this again next year.