CHESAPEAKE, VA (July 31, 2014) -- ABNB is pleased to announce that it has raised over $63,000 to benefit the Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters from the proceeds of its 11th Annual Fishing Fest. Donations continue to come in, so ABNB anticipates the final donation amount being even higher.
Since Fishing Fest began 11 years ago, they have raised more than $440,000 for the Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters. "All of us at CHKD are so grateful to our friends at ABNB for the awesome support that they have provided our children year after year. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone throughout ABNB and its members who support and rally around our children in this wonderful effort." said Karen Gershman, CHKD's Executive Director of Development.
Nearly 120 participants gathered on the morning of June 13th for a half day's fishing excursion out of Rudee Inlet, followed by lunch provided by Mobile Pig-Nic. Each year, ABNB hosts a CHKD patient and their family to come out and enjoy the event. This year it was 12 year old Connor Steele and his family.
CHKD has worked with Connor and his family in his fight against Leukemia. It was last March that Connor and his family learned of his diagnosis.
"We found out about Connor's Leukemia diagnosis on March 8th, 2013. It was quite a shock to our family because he is an athlete, he is a scout, he is an altar server at church, he is a big brother and little brother, he is a great friend to all the kids that know him, and most of all he is the best son a parent can ask for." said Kasey Steele, Connor's mom. "He is the biggest fighter we know. He has good days and he has bad days but no matter what he keeps that smile on his face."
Today, Conner is doing very well and is the home-run leader in his Little League! He was recently selected to the All Star Team in Newport News.
“It's an honor to be able to support an organization that has such a profound impact on the Hampton Roads community. So many of us throughout the community have been touched by CHKD in one way or another.” said Kelli Ragland, Fishing Fest chairperson and ABNB Vice President of Marketing. “It's because of the generosity of our members, employees, and business partners that this fundraiser continues to be such a successful event for such a worthy cause.”