2025 Events
18th Annual RI VIP Fishing Tournament (2025)
For the 2nd year in a row, we had to re-schedule the tourney due to high seas and wind; but, we also had one of the best catches in our history. The Tourney was held on July 13th and netted a total catch of 210 fish for the 30 VIPs and for the 1st time, there were no “shutouts”!
2025 RILSF VIP Tournament VIP’s & Guides
The 1st Fish was caught by Derek Camille (East Prov.), the largest Sea Bass was scored by Barbara Henry (Prov.) and largest Fluke was landed by at 20” by Janice Musco. Each received a $15 Gift Card.
Trophies and cash awards were also awarded to:
1st Place $50 (51pts/20 fish) – Randy LaFountain (E. Prov)
2nd Place $25 (37 pts/13 fish) – James Killingham (Prov.)
3rd Place $25 (37pts/13 fish) – Rob Sanchas (Warren)
The tiebreaker was based on James catching the most “high point” fish.
4th Place (36pts/11 fish) – Janice Musco (Lincoln)
5th Place (32ts/11 Fish) – Jamie Legare (No. Kingston)
Rob Sanchas (3rd) James Killingham (2nd) Randy LaFountain (1st)
We now look forward to finalizing the arrangements for what will be our last trip to the National Tourney in October. We will be bringing two (2) Teams due to the cancellation of last year’s National Tourney because of the extensive western NC floods. (Registration fees were donated to the relief efforts)
The 1st 2025 National Team member is based on the Tourney results and is awarded to James Killingham (Rob S. is unable to attend).
Since this is our last trip to NC, (primarily due to increasing travel expenses and the 5-day commitment) the 2nd and 3rd team positions were chosen by holding a lottery drawing for the VIPs who have never made the trip before. This will give as many as possible the opportunity to share the experience that many others have had to hopefully come home with some great awards and memories.
Several names were drawn, and Don Wehrmann (Westerly) is the 1st to commit. The final selection is pending the prospects review of availability.
The 2024 National Team included Rob Sanchas, Normand Aucoin and Doreen Holmes. However, Rob cannot attend so he suggested that we award it to one of the VIPs who has not been to NC and has the most participation since our start in 2008. The short story is that this led to the selection of Barbara Henry, who has participated in 12 Tournaments since 2012.
This process also revealed that Janice Musco has participated in all but our very 1st tournament and therefore was presented with a special Participation Award. (She has been to the National Tournament 4 times!)
On behalf of the RILSF, the VIP’s and their Guides I want to thank:
• The Don & Elaine Hayden Foundation for continuing the very generous support initiated by Don.
• The RI Lions Clubs and Sight-Assistance Organizations.
• The Frances Fleet, Captain Cole & Crew, and Arturo Joe’s for their excellent service!
• The Volunteers, the Breakfast & Lunch team and my sidekick Bill Hawkins for helping with the success of this event!
Ken Barthelemy
Scituate Lions Club
RI Lions Sight Foundation
Barbara Henry (2024 Team Replacement)
