Stamford, CT - May 5th, 2015 - Some 200 participants are expected for the 4th annual Stamford (CT) Hooks for Heroes Fishing Tournament to benefit wounded U.S. military veterans from the Walter Reed Army Hospital and Connecticut veteran hospitals.  The event has been scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2015 at the Halloween Yacht Club (HYC), 10 Seaview Avenue  in Stamford, Connecticut.  There is an entry fee of $35.00 per fisherman, which includes both breakfast and lunch.

This year there will be two competing fishing categories, including: largest bluefish and largest bass by weight. The largest bass last year was 36 pounds.

Since the 2012 inaugural Stamford Hooks for Heroes event, this annual fundraiser has collected and donated over $20,000 for U.S. veteran charitable causes.  The 2014 tournament brought out over 100 competitors, including some 30 wounded veterans and their families for a day of fun and fishing on the Long Island Sound.

Last year’s event concluded with a ceremony recognizing the best catches of the day and a salute to members of the United States Armed Services.  Highlights of the day included a flyover by two bi-wing aircraft honoring all the veterans; a Vietnam era Huey UH1 helicopter flyover by the Stratford Police Department Search and Rescue team; a water cannon salute by the Stamford Fire Department; Marine Division and the Stamford Fire Department tower ladder draping a U.S. flag and the Stamford Police Honor Guard.

“Being a veteran, I am proud of what the Halloween Yacht Club and its membership have done in hosting and growing this event.  Now in its fourth year, its greatest impact is the smiles it brings to the veterans and their families. Our goal this year is to increase the number of veterans and fishermen participating, while also increasing the annual contribution the event adds to the Operation Gift Card program,” said Pat Buzzeo, chairman of the Stamford (CT) Hooks for Heroes fishing tournament.

All event proceeds will go towards gift cards for the veterans and their families to use at the Walter Reed Army Hospital Post Exchange (PX) and a mini-mall for veterans and their families to purchase basic needs at the Army Hospital’s base.  Operation Gift Cards aids U.S. military service men and women receiving treatment at the Walter Reed who incurred duty related wounds, injuries or illnesses on or after the September 11, 2001 attacks on our nation.

The day will start with a pre-tournament breakfast at 5:15am and post-tournament activities including lunch, awards and more begin at 1:30pm at the Halloween Yacht Club. For more information about the event please go to the Hooks for Heroes website or the HYC website.

To register a boat team of fishermen, please visit www.hooksforheroes.us and click the “GIVE” logo at the top right of your screen, visit the HYC webpage, or make a direct donation through PayPal. You may also call Tucker Costanzo at (203) 223-2314 or Pat Buzzeo at (203) 559-5205 for registrant or donation information.

If you plan on attending, the minimum donation is $35 for fishing and reception. Please bring your receipt on the day of the event for confirmation.

All entries by U.S. Mail must be received by Friday, June 19, 2015. Sign up is also available at the Halloween Yacht Club in person on Wednesday, June 17th from 5:00-7:30 p.m. or until 6 a.m. the morning of the tournament.  Please make all checks payable to “Operation Gift Cards” C/O: Halloween Yacht Club, 10 Seaview Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902.