Johnny Morris – Bass Pro Shops and Initial Supporters Donate $2 Million in Support of the Bahamas

“Anglers for the Bahamas” campaign aligns anglers with worldwide relief leader, Convoy of Hope

 

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Bass Pro Shops founder and noted conservationist Johnny Morris today announced “Anglers for the Bahamas,” a campaign to support the Bahamas in the wake of catastrophic devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian. Together with fishing industry partners, the initial donations are approaching nearly $2 million after a Thursday morning launch event.

Bass Pro Shops is contributing a minimum of $1 million toward relief efforts, including $500,000 worth of donated goods and $500,000 in cash donations to Convoy of Hope, an international humanitarian relief organization. As part of the donation, the outdoor retailer is contributing thousands of essential supplies including family-sized tents, outdoor cooking kits, and protein-rich Jack Links Beef Jerky. Other partners like Tyson Foods are donating 125,000 meals.

Uniting the angling community with Convoy of Hope, a respected worldwide leader in relief efforts

“All of us at Bass Pro Shops are heartbroken by the devastation in the Bahamas, which hold a special place in the hearts of all anglers. We understand anglers and many others may feel the same way and want to help but simply don’t know where to start. This was our inspiration to create Anglers for the Bahamas: Fishin’ for a Mission,” said Johnny Morris. “Beyond our pledge of financial support, we feel we can play a far greater role in supporting the Bahamas and its wonderful people by uniting anglers with an efficient and highly respected relief organization, Convoy of Hope.”

To reinforce this effort, Bass Pro will directly appeal to its database of over 200 million outdoor enthusiasts, vendors and industry partners to make donations through anglersforthebahamas.org, its stores, email database and on social media. Convoy of Hope is a highly regarded 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charity with emergency responders currently plugged in on the front lines throughout the Bahamas. Based in Bass Pro’s hometown of Springfield, Missouri, the international relief organization has built a reputation over the past 25 years of efficiently and effectively assisting communities impacted by natural disasters, crises and areas of extreme need around the world:

• Worked on the ground in 48 states and more than 126 countries;
• Responded to more than 370 disasters;
• Served more than 100 million people in need;
• Delivered 15,890 truckloads worth of food, water and relief supplies;
• Mobilized more than 622,000 volunteers;
• Earned a “Four Star Charity” rating from Charity Navigator 16 years in a row, ensuring more than 90 percent of every dollar raised goes to support on-the-ground relief.

“The Morris family and Bass Pro Shops have supported us for more than 20 years because of our extensive expertise supporting disaster relief efforts and making a difference where it’s needed most,” said Jeff Nene, national spokesperson for Convoy of Hope. “With the massive effort underway in the Bahamas, everyone who cares about this special place can feel confident their dollars will go where they are needed most.”

Bass Pro Shops customers can round-up their purchases to support relief efforts in impacted areas at all 12 Bass Pro Shops locations in Florida including Dania Beach, Daytona Beach, Destin, Ft. Myers, Gainesville, Islamorada, Miami, Orlando, Palm Bay, Port St. Lucie, Tallahassee and Tampa. Customers can also donate through Bass Pro’s web site, emails and on social media channels.

Angling industry partners step up to support the Bahamas

Since initial outreach began just two days ago, several high-profile individuals and business partners have already pledged to donate to Convoy of Hope’s efforts as part of “Anglers for the Bahamas.” Bass Pro’s goal for the campaign is to have a multiplying effect to do good. Preliminary support includes:

• Tyson Foods — donating 125,000 servings of canned chicken valued at $150,000 in honor of the late Don Tyson, former Chairman of the Board, President & CEO, a world-renowned fisherman, founder of the Billfish Foundation that promotes conservation of marlin and other billfish and a member of the International Game Fish Association Fishing Hall of Fame
• Jack Links Beef Jerky — donating 5,000 bags of high-protein jerky and an equivalent matching cash donation of $50,000
• Textron TRACKER OFF ROAD Vehicles — donating $100,000
• Alan Williams — donating $100,000
• Mastercard — donating $200,000 donation to Red Cross and waiving interchange fees through November 15 to several charitable donations in the name of Bahamas relief, as well as providing waivers to help get local businesses back on their feet
• Pure Fishing (parent company of leading fishing brands including Abu Garcia, Berkley, Johnson and others) — donating $75,000
• Navico Marine Electronics — donating $50,000
• True Timber (camouflage and fishing apparel)– donating $25,000
• Engel Coolers –donating $25,000 in products
• Country music star and avid angler Luke Bryan — donating $10,000
• Sunglass Hut — donating $10,000
• Champion Power Equipment — donating $10,000
• Tree House Kids, Inc.— donating $10,000
• Feradyne Outdoors — donating $10,000
• Local companies near Bass Pro’s hometown of Springfield, Missouri including Springfield Striping, Barrows Excavation, Opie’s Landscaping, Foggy River Realty, Keys Painting and Tom Boyce Excavating collectively donating $30,000.

To donate directly to relief efforts, please visit www.anglersforthebahamas.org.