Newport News, VA (December 20, 2022) – Anglers from across the Virginia peninsula gathered for the 22nd annual James River Striped Bass Tournament on Saturday, November 12, 2022. A successful fundraising event benefiting the Virginia Living Museum, the tournament raised $13,500 in support of the Museum’s education and conservation programs.
Established by long-time friends of the Museum, Randy and Carol Abbitt, the tournament is a local tradition, raising more than $165,000 for the Museum over the past two decades. Deep Creek Landing Marina owners Jessica and Jason Godfrey coordinate the tournament through their nonprofit organization, Coastal Shores Inc. The couple presented a $13,500 check to the Museum during the Captain’s Event reception held at the marina. The event was made possible by Deep Creek Landing Marina and Tournament Sponsor The Alex Kaz Foundation.
“The tournament is a time to be with friends, family, co-workers, and the fishing community paying it forward for the future of the Virginia Living Museum,” remarked Jessica Godfrey. “As a mother who appreciates fun education, I enjoy the museum programs for family outings, and quality time together. It’s important to me that families in our area always have this opportunity.”
The tournament’s proceeds will benefit the Museum’s work with many conservation projects, such as Clean the Bay Day, Turtle Census, Project Feederwatch, and Oyster Restoration.
Coastal Shores is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing opportunities for youth to access the waters in Hampton Roads and engage in nature through water-related activities on the Virginia peninsula.
The Virginia Living Museum connects people to nature through educational experiences that promote conservation. It presents its mission through indoor and outdoor natural living exhibits, featuring native Virginia plants, mammals, marine life, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. An independent 501c3 organization, the Museum is a successful public-private partnership with the City of Newport News and welcomes visitors of all ages. Accredited by both the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the American Association of Museums, the Museum’s high standards are its hallmark, as only fourteen institutions share this designation in the country. It is a certified “Virginia Green” attraction dedicated to environmentally-friendly practices.
For more information, visit thevlm.org or call (757) 595-1900. Located at 524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News (I-64, exit 258-A), the Museum is open 9 to 5 daily. Find the Museum on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
