I am a big supporter of local outdoor-based organizations. Groups like the Wenatchee Sportsmen’s Association, the Wenatchee Valley Fly Fishers, the local CCA chapter and the Icicle Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited. All of these groups support me, too. They help out with the funding and staffing of the fishing events for kids that I am involved with and Salmon Festival, too. Each of these groups has an annual banquet, and I try to attend as many of them as possible. These auctions are very important. They are typically the major source of income and each of these organizations put that money right back into our area in the form of projects that enhance fish and wildlife. The annual Trout Unlimited banquet is coming up on Saturday, September 22nd, beginning at 5:30. It will take place at the Fest Hall in Leavenworth and the cost is $45.00. This chapter has the reputation for raising more funds for big projects than any chapter west of the Mississippi, and you don’t have to look far to see the impact of their work. I would encourage you to attend, and if you need tickets, call Bob Stroup at 509-548-7662. There will be some terrific deals in the auction of course.