Vinton County nonprofit seeks sponsors for May fishing fundraiser

The Vinton County Cancer Research Group is asking local businesses and residents for donations and sponsorships to support its major 2026 fundraiser, the Bink Fox Fishing for VCCRG tournament. Scheduled for May 30 at the Racine boat ramp and limited to 85 boats, the tournament is one of the group’s largest annual efforts to raise money for direct patient support.

Proceeds from the event will go to gas and food assistance for Vinton County residents who must travel for cancer treatment. In a rural county where long drives to regional medical centers are common, these modest benefits can cover a significant portion of the out-of-pocket cost families face when traveling for chemotherapy, radiation or specialist visits. The tournament’s revenues help bridge a gap in local supports by reducing transportation and meal costs for patients and their caregivers.

VCCRG operates as a community-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit and organizes multiple activities beyond the fishing tournament. The group holds monthly meetings at the McArthur Fire Department, runs roundtables and stages other fundraisers to maintain its assistance programs. The organization emphasizes community involvement, asking both individual donors and local businesses to contribute sponsorships or in-kind items that can amplify the event’s proceeds.

The limited field of 85 boats is a practical constraint that shapes how the fundraiser is run and how quickly organizers will need to secure entry fees and sponsorship dollars. For businesses, sponsorship provides a visible, local way to support neighbors in treatment while helping cover costs that would otherwise reduce the amount available for direct aid. For residents, participation or donations translate directly into gas and food cards distributed to families navigating treatment schedules and travel logistics.

The reliance on a volunteer-run nonprofit to supply travel-related assistance underscores broader challenges in rural healthcare access and the role community groups play in filling service gaps. Local elected officials and health providers have cited transportation as a recurring barrier to timely care; groups like VCCRG work within the community to address that need directly.

Our two cents? If you can, chip in or sign up early—the 85-boat cap will matter—and consider attending a monthly meeting at the McArthur Fire Department to learn how donations are used. Reel in support for your neighbors so they can focus on treatment, not travel expenses.