Big 3 Tournament Raises More Than $1 Million For Big Brothers/Sisters

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 HARWICH – Thursday, July 9 was a fine day on the water for the participants in the Big 3 Fishing Tournament, but it was an even better day for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Cape Cod and the Islands, which landed the biggest catch. The tournament raised more than $1 million for the organization, the most ever in the 13-year history of the tournament. 

 “We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our Cape and Islands community,” said JR Mell, regional director of BBBS of Cape Cod and the Islands. “This year’s record-breaking event will not only enable us to reach our goal of matching 1,000 kids with a mentor by 2028, but lay the groundwork for our next strategic plan.”

The 37 participating vessels took to the waters at 5 a.m. last Thursday and reported their catches by 4 p.m. at Harwich Port Boat Yard and Hyannis Marina. The post tournament captain’s reception and awards ceremony was hosted by John Our at Harwich Port Boat Yard.

Nick Coehlo aboard Afishinsea took first place in the striped bass category with a 15.38-pounder, and Chris Clark aboard In Reel Time took first with an 11.64-pounder in the bluefish category. Drew Austin on GinaMarie was the winner in the bluefin category. Hunter Clark landed the heaviest fish in the youth category, and the lady angler landing the heaviest fish was Stella Rose of Harwich. 

The Big 3 Tournament gala event was held on Friday evening with a rooftop cocktail hour, followed by dinner, a live auction and live music and dancing at Dune at the Wychmere Beach Club. The gala was sold out, with attendance capped at 250 guests. 

During the gala, Big 3 Tournament founders E.J. and Terry Jaxtimer were honored with the installation of the Jaxtimer Family Leadership Award. In future years, the award will recognize extraordinary individuals whose dedication, philanthropy, advocacy and community leadership creates a lasting impact on the children and families throughout Cape Cod and the Islands, according to the organization.

Since its inception, the Big 3 Fishing Tournament has raised more than $5.5 million and helped to create over 1,500 new mentoring friendships for youth on the Cape and Islands. The nonprofit’s mission is to help children in under-resourced families thrive by providing transitional, one-on-one professionally supported relationships with caring adult mentors.