Cops for Kids Buddy Bass Tournament

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About the Tournament

The Cops for Kids Bass Tournament began as a fund raiser for the Make a Wish Foundation and the Missouri Water Patrol Association in 2005.  Mainly the hard work of Ron Kelley, a water patrol officer from Table Rock Lake, and Kevin & Laura Watson, of Bass Boat Magazine, brought the tournament to where it is today.  The first 5 years were only open to law enforcement officers.  It began as a way for officers to have a fun day fishing, see old friends, and maybe win a small prize or some prize money, but most important "for the kids"!  Each year the tournament has grown in sponsorship, entries, and prize money.  But most important, the donation to the Make a Wish Foundation has grown every year!  The 2009 tournament donated $11,000 to the kids!!!  Ron, Kevin, and Laura have retired from actively managing the tournament after 2009.  The Association is truly grateful for their hard work! That tradition continues with the 2010 tournament, under the leadership of new tournament director, Gary Haupt.  Gary has been involved with the tournament since the beginning & has fished it every year!  Gary is a 31 year veteran of the Missouri State Water Patrol and currently the District Commander of the Southwest Missouri District.   This year the Association has opened the tournament to all public safety professionals (firemen, EMS personnel, and law enforcement officers).  There have also been 10 additional prizes for free entry for next year's tournament.   We are pleased to announce that this year's Grand Draw Prize will be a $21,000 2010 Z-7 Nitro® bass boat with 150 hp Optimax and trailer.  This prize was graciously donated by Bass Pro Shops®.  Every entry has a chance to win the boat, whether you catch a fish or not!!!  We anticipate reaching the maximum of 250 boats this year, which will be a record.  The more entries, the more prize money and more money for the kids. We thank all the past and present entries!!!  You are what make the tournament a success!!  If you haven't fished it in the past, grab you a partner, and join the fun!   WHERE IS THE MONEY GOING? All money and/or prizes received by the tournament are distributed as listed below: All cash donations to the tournament go directly to the Make A Wish Foundation of Missouri. Corporate sponsorship of hats go toward payment of the tournament caps. Each entry receives a free tournament cap. All donations of prizes go to the entries at the end of the tournament by drawing. Cash received from entry fee ($100.00 per boat): 47% of the cash received from entries go to the prize money. Plus free entries to the first 20 place winners Tournament expenses (averages less than 5%, varies each year) Of the remaining proceeds: 60% to the Make A Wish Foundation of Missouri (plus cash donations above). 40% to the Missouri Water Patrol Association. Cash received from Big Bass entry ($10.00 per boat): 100% back to the entries 1st = 60%  2nd = 25% 3rd = 15%