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Event raises $120,000 for youth with illnesses

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- A summer fund-raising event netted $120,000 to help grant outdoor wishes to young people facing life-threatening illnesses.

The Catch-A-Dream Foundation gives children 18 years old and younger a unique opportunity to distract their minds from the many physical pressures they face as they battle difficult medical circumstances.

The recent Catch the Vision fundraising event held in West Point was made possible through the support of Mississippi State University, Mossy Oak, Old Waverly Golf Club, Starkville Gun Club, Flagler Productions, Shell Oil and others. Nationally known country music artist Tracy Byrd hosted the event and was joined by fellow artists Blake Shelton and Andy Griggs.

“Catch-A-Dream is a movement involving not only the outdoor industry, but also many supporters who realize the therapeutic value of time spent outdoors as well as the importance of proactively defending our hunting and fishing heritage,” said Marty Brunson, Extension professor at MSU.

“This is an embraceable program because it allows outdoors-minded people the opportunity to use their abilities and passions to make a significant difference in the lives and families of young people who desperately need encouragement,” Brunson said.

Catch the Vision event activities included a golf tournament, shotgun competition, live and silent auctions, and a music festival.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with this year’s Catch the Vision event,” said Toxey Haas, founder and CEO of Mossy Oak. “We’ve been involved in this event from the start five years ago, and every year, we are amazed at the support it receives not only in the outdoor industry, but across various industries and individuals. Catch-A-Dream is truly deserving of this support, and we’re blessed to be able to do just that.”

Catch-A-Dream has touched more than 170 families from 40 states. The foundation is housed at MSU and administered through the MSU Extension Service. For more information on the foundation or how to participate, go online to http://www.catchadream.org.

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Released: Aug. 17, 2006
Contact: Dr. Marty Brunson, (662) 325-8149

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