as told by Ron Wilson

The sun was just coming up over the foothills as Connie Clinton and Ron Wilson came up over the ridge of Kelsey's Ranch lake and saw about a dozen boats waiting on the water for the Third Annual Special Person Fishing Day. John Kelsey had again, for the third year, donated his private lake for this special event.

Poles were being put together, tackle boxes set out and boaters were being signed up as the kids arrived. They came anxious for a fun day, for many had never experienced a day of fishing. As each signed in, they were given a "Take A Kid Fishing" shirt, hat, and fishing pole.

Glenn Todd, Chairman, was welcoming everyone and explaining what was going to be happening for the day, when one of the more enthusiastic participants, Fred Neves, couldn't hold back any longer. He had to give his fellow competitors a "Go out there and catch some fish" cheer over the microphone.

With that everyone was paired up and off they went toward the boats. We could here shouts of excitement as the kids started catching fish. The camera boats were kept busy trying to get to each one as they brought in their two- limit fish for the day.

As the kids came in to the weigh-in, the smiles could not be erased from their beaming faces. I don't know who was more excited - the kids or the boaters - because of the joy they had brought to these kids.

The tally was being figured up as the boaters and kids enjoyed a lunch of hot dogs, chips, cookie,s and assorted drinks, furnished by Save Mart of Los Banos.

With arms flailing in the air, a smile from ear to ear, and jumping all the way up to get her first place award with 8.85 pounds Amber Richter joined her boater, Tony Serrano, to receive their honors. It was a joy to watch as Amber tried to compose herself and then just burst out smiling and jumping around. She had to repeat her acceptance again when she received the Big Fish Award of 5.10 pounds.

Second Place for 8.05 pounds, went to Anthony DeAnda and boaters Noel Quesenberry and Gene Lewis; Third Place with 7.75 pounds went to Pat McCume and boater Gerry Johnson; Fourth Place with 7.05 pounds was received by Noel Mercado and her boater Don Thompson; and Fifth Place with 6.80 pounds was winner Kenny Renslow with his boater, Gene Buie.

Another Perspective of A Great Day at Kelsey Bass Ranch -

as told by Robyn Porter

Take some perfect weather, add the perfect location, a handful of special people, and a group of terrific sponsors, and you have the makings of a perfect day for the third annual "Take A Special Person Fishing Day." On Saturday, May 26th, Jon and Deidre Kelsey, owners of the Kelsey Bass Ranch in Snelling, CA, offered their beautiful lake to the guests and members of the Exchange Club of Modesto, where nearly two dozen mentally challenged individuals of all ages were given the opportunity to fish on the lake, many for the very first time.

Glenn Todd, President of the Modesto Exchange Club, has been working with Downs Syndrome people for some time and is primarily responsible for arranging the "Take a Special Person Fishing Day." A retired member of the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department, Todd says "there's nothing better in life than to see the looks on these kids' faces when they bring in a fish they've caught themselves." The Exchange Club provides these fishing excursions for people with special needs to give them an opportunity to do something they might not otherwise be able to do. The guests were outfitted with life jackets before being taken out on the Kelsey Lake with local bass fishermen who donated their boats and expertise. Every participant was partnered with an experienced fisher person to enjoy a one-on-one experience.

Each guest was given a baseball cap, t-shirt, fishing rod and reel, a tackle box, and goody bag, as well as a Polaroid picture of themselves with their catch. The generous donations of Bass'n Gals, Nor-Cal Bass Federation, The Exchange Club of Modesto, and the Modesto Am-Bass-Adors made these gifts possible. Save Mart Super Markets provided lunch, drinks and snacks, and Jay's Trophy Shop of Modesto donated trophies for all participants and winners.

Top fisher of the day was Amber Richter of Waterford, who not only reeled in bass that weighed in over five pounds and received first place honors, but the Big Fish trophy as well. This was Amber's first fishing trip and she was so very proud to have "caught the big ones!" Without a doubt, everyone who attended the event at Kelsey Bass Ranch left feeling like a winner.

For more information about the Take A Special Person Fishing Day or the Exchange Club of Modesto contact club president and event coordinator Glenn Todd at 209-527-3877.

Click here to go to a Special Photo Gallery

of the

2001 Take a Special Kid Fishing Tournament