Elite Series anglers will be promoting autism awareness over the next two tournaments as they compete for the second annual Autism Angler of April award. The trophy will be awarded to the angler who finishes the highest in the next two Elite Series events – at Grand Lake and Kentucky Lake – while wearing the custom Autism Awareness bracelet.
The anglers will also be eligible for bonus points based on Autism social media posts, raising money for Autism charities, and other awareness efforts.
“April has become one of my favorite months of the year because it’s National Autism Awareness Month," said Elite Series angler John Crews. "All the hard work and momentum we are gaining for this cause is really making a difference."
Last year, Brandon Palaniuk claimed the inaugural Autism Angler of April award.
"Social posts and raising money for autism are something we want to add into the Autism Angler of April award," Crews added. "Last year was the first trophy that Brandon (Palaniuk) won. He then went on to win an Elite and AOY trophy so I know it is good for the rest of your year, too."
This year, the winning angler will custom-built trophy made by MTM Recognition and will choose the Autism charity of their choice to donate funds that are generated by sales of custom Autism Awareness bracelets. The bracelets will be available for sale at the next two Elite Series tournament expos, online at missilebaits.com, and mylittlebuddysboat.com. Each bracelet costs $10 each and 100 percent of the money will go to an autism charity.
In order for anglers to be eligible, anglers that wear the blue wristbands will be tracked by the amount of AOY points they earn at Grand Lake and Kentucky Lake. Bonus points will be earned for raising at least $50 for an autism charity, making at least three autism-related social media posts during the month of April, and doing any other published awareness effort for Autism.
Examples of awareness efforts are wearing an autism hat on stage during weigh in, wearing a special autism jersey, or making an appearance at an autism school. Anglers will receive 5 additional points for each bonus.
The winner of the Autism Angler of April award will be announced at the Lake Travis Toyota Texas Fest Elite Series in May.
