Boats departed from Camachee Cove in St. Augustine

More than $110,000 was raised during Monique Burr Foundation for Children, Inc.’s 23^rd annual El Pescado Billfish Tournament, presented by Your Jacksonville Area Lexus Dealers, Oct. 13-15 at Camachee Cove in St. Augustine, Fla. More than 450 people attended the event and 94 billfish were caught and released, with nearly $130,000 awarded in cash prizes. In conjunction with the tournament, the Fish-N-Chips Marina Casino event was held on Saturday evening and featured casino-style games as well as unique shopping opportunities at the “Ladies’ Tackle Box.” Proceeds from the event contribute to the foundation’s continuing mission to give hope in the life of a child and educate Florida’s teachers, students and parents on safety from all forms of child abuse, bullying and digital abuse.

Members of the Monique Burr Foundation for Children pose with the 2011 tournament proceeds check

In the Standard Division, the J Hook, owned by Ed Jillson took first place. Second place was awarded to Wallis Higginbotham and Grand Slam, a 54-foot Spencer Yacht. Michael Cioffi and Playtime came in third place. In the 40-foot and Under Division, first place went to Dennis Rosa and Menace, a 36-foot Yellowfin Yacht. Pez Vela, captained by Charles Erickson, took second place, followed by Bill Baker on Miss Lilla for third place. Neil Subin from the Outlaw was presented with the prestigious Chester H. Wolfe Sportsmanship Award, which is awarded based upon an act that demonstrates fair play, graciousness, respect, and/or ethical behavior displayed while fishing in the tournament.

The Fish-N-Chips Marina Casino event

The Monique Burr Foundation recently launched the Speak Up Be Safe Florida blog, which provides timely and relevant information regarding the foundation, its programs and general child safety news and information. For more information about the Monique Burr Foundation, visit www.moniqueburrfoundation.org. Information is also available on Facebook.com by searching for the Monique Burr Foundation for Children, Inc. and on Twitter.com @MBFjax.

Sigma Chi volunteers from UNF