Hook the Cure Reels in Over $470,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Gary Green - Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
November 9, 2015

Hook the Cure powered by IOTEC (Gary Green)

The tenth annual fundraising event returned to Puerto Vallarta surpassing last year's results by $150,000.

Lush beaches and balmy breezes set the scene this past weekend as fundraisers cast their lines to benefit cystic fibrosis research and patient care. From November 5-8, 160 guests enjoyed a weekend of world-class fishing, challenging golf, spa treatments and unlimited gourmet food and drinks at the Villa Premiere Hotel and Spa, all while helping a worthy cause.

"The support this year has been outstanding," says Bob Huston, Event Chairman. "Our sponsors and fundraisers have helped us make significant progress in assisting people with cystic fibrosis." Co-chairman Jeff Jennison agrees: "It's heartening to see so many people come out and support the Foundation. Every bit of help brings us closer to a cure."

"I'm thrilled that IOTEC, once again, was able to contribute to this very successful event," adds Bob Zieman, Integrated Office Technology President. "IOTEC has a long-standing commitment to fighting this disease, and events like this bring us all closer to finding the cure."
 
About 70,000 children and adults have cystic fibrosis, a disease that affects the lungs and digestive system, often causing life-threatening lung infections and can stop the body from breaking down and absorbing food. Research has come a long way in increasing the life expectancy of CF patients. In the 1950s, a child diagnosed with the disease would likely die before finishing elementary school. Today, many people can live full lives into their 40s and 50s, and beyond.

Puerto Vallarta's blue skies and clear water created a paradise for the catch-and-release fishing tournament, part of the Redbone Tournament Series. Adrenaline rushed as novices and seasoned anglers alike battled for trophy-sized marlin, sailfish, mahi mahi, tuna and many other species. In the end the lucky winners were Dana Ruf, Ron Smith and Shane Kunz. Both the tournament and local boats were coordinated through Charter Dreams in Puerto Vallarta, the only charter company in Puerto Vallarta recommended by Marlin Magazine and World Outdoor News. Event volunteers were furnished by PVRPV.com.

Special appearances made the weekend all the more exciting. Baseball royalty Matt Young and Rick Honeycutt showed their support for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation as well as Nashville recording artist, Lucas Hoge.  

For those who preferred to have their fun on dry land, Vista Vallarta provided its signature golf courses by Jack Nicklaus and Tom Weiskopf, both featuring a challenging game and gorgeous views of Puerto Vallarta's tropical scenery. Rick Honeycutt snared a two-shot victory over the competition to claim the bragging rights.

Many of the guests chose to set their hooks into the auction instead of prize-winning fish. Over 150 items were auctioned off including travel packages by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's outstanding corporate partner, American Airlines.  

The rest of the weekend was pure indulgence at the Villa Premiere Hotel and Spa. If anyone still had a care in the world it was melted away at the full service spa with a beauty salon, steam rooms, saunas, Jacuzzi and fitness rooms. Others found fun and relaxation off the resort, enjoying all Puerto Vallarta has to offer. The friendly and clean city boasts cultural events and exhibits, shopping, exciting jungle day trips, lively nightclubs and restaurants, and of course, many romantic hideaways.  

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is extremely grateful to its sponsors including IOTEC, BJ's Restaurants, China Auto Group/The Kirby Family, Watson Land Company, American Airlines, The Huston Family, Millie & Severson, Norm Wilson & Sons, Inc., Ron & Ann Hallagan, O'Connell Family Foundation Trust, Skipper & Duke's Fishing Series, Hunter Landscape and The William Martin, Jr. Family.

Plans are underway for the 2016 Hook the Cure powered by IOTEC which organizers are confident will sell out. The event website at Hook the Cure will be updated shortly with information for early-November event.

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