Outer Banks Cancer Support Group

The Outer Banks Cancer Support Group was founded in 1989 by the late Alice Kelly and a group of friends.

Alice found there was a major transportation shortage for cancer patients to travel outside the county for treatment after her diagnosis of Hodgkin’s Disease. Alice never lived long enough to see the group become officially incorporated and to obtain the 501(c) 3 status.  She died in November 1989.

The primary objective of the group is to provide moral support to cancer survivors, family members and caregivers, along with helping provide transportation subsidy. In November 2000, the group began a long anticipated program of providing its members and local cancer survivors with temporary financial assistance. Financial assistance is available to those who have a true need and complete an application to the Board of Directors.

Pirates Cove Big Game Tournaments has supported the Outer Banks Cancer Support Group for over 20 years raising money by hosting the Alice Kelly Billfish Tournament.

Every year the tournament has given between $20000.00 and $30000.00 for this charity.

This contribution enables the group to assist patients financially by addressing their needs where insurance and other financial assistance falls short. We are very proud of our commitment to the citizens of the Outer Banks and pledge our continued support.

The Dare County Boat Builders Foundation

The Dare County Boat Builders Foundation is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preserving Dare County’s boat building heritage by actively supporting the students and families within its community. Each year, their organization raises funds for scholarships and local educational programs in an effort to inspire life-long learning and appreciations for the skilled craftsmen who have made this local trade nothing less than legendary.

We are proud of our longstanding partnership with the Dare County Boat Builders Foundation, it is one of our flagship charities. Hosting the Carolina Boat Builders Tournament is always a fun and exciting part of our charitable work. Our donation of $4000.00 towards their charity assists them in providing continued education to need based students and students interested in studying boat building in school.

Community Care Clinic of Dare

The Community Care Clinic of Dare was founded in 2005 by a partnership of the Albemarle Hospital Foundation, Dare County Department of Public Health, and The Outer Banks Hospital.

The establishment of the Clinic represented a grassroots response to the needs of the uninsured in our community. The Clinic first opened its doors in Kitty Hawk in May 2005, and our Buxton (now Frisco) location followed in September of that year. They opened in Manteo in December 2006, and they continue to serve our neighbors in need in these three locations today.

Many individuals and organizations have devoted countless hours and numerous financial and material resources to the Clinic since its creation, and the Clinic is always in need of additional medical and non-medical volunteers.

Starting this year, Pirates Cove Big Game Tournaments hosted the 1st Annual Shag Festival in the pavilion for the Community Care Clinic of Dare helping them raise money for their charity.

Our contribution of $2100.00 combined with hours of volunteer work assisting with the production of the event, helped the clinic raise $9800.00 to continue assisting people of need with access to proper medical exams, treatments and services. With the escalating costs of medical services and a declining jobs market these services are in more demand than ever.

The Billfish Foundation

The Billfish Foundation (TBF) is the only nonprofit organization dedicated solely to conserving and enhancing billfish populations around the world.

A three tiered strategy of research, education and advocacy is employed by TBF in order to create marine conservation strategies that benefit oceanic resources while also empowering the recreational fishing community. Pirates Cove Big Game Tournaments understands the importance of sound based science when it comes to studying highly migratory species including marlin.

The Billfish Foundation does a tremendous job in filling this very important void. We have always supported the Billfish Foundation through yearly contributions and have made a commitment for 2010 to raise $7000.00 to $10000.00 for their continued work. We will be raffling off a Harley Davidson Electra-Glide Classic this year to meet this goal.

Rotary International

Rotary International is a worldwide organization of more than 1.2 million business, professional, and community leaders.

Members of Rotary clubs, known as Rotarians, provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. There are 33,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas. Clubs are nonpolitical, nonreligious, and open to all cultures, races, and creeds. As signified by the motto Service Above Self, Rotary’s main objective is service — in the community, in the workplace, and throughout the world.

Our contribution of $1000.00 each year to the Manteo Rotary Rockfish Rodeo helps the club with its goal of providing ongoing support in all areas, to the community of the Outer Banks. Giving scholarships to needy students, assisting the elderly, and providing money for any needs that may arise, Rotary is a shining example of good in our community. We are very proud to be able to assist this fine club with its work.

North Carolina Governor's Cup

Celebrating 20 Years!

We are very excited to be entering our 20th Season of the North Carolina Governor’s Cup and we’re hoping that this year will be a record year in many aspects – from the numbers of boats to the number of fish! 2009 had some outstanding fishing and one of the tightest races for our top spots in Governor’s Cup History, with less than fifty points separating the winners.

Congratulations to the Stream Weaver and Bill Collector for taking the top spots in the Overall/Private and Charter boat categories. The Dale Ward Conservation Trophy went to the Caroline, who came in second place in standings for releasing 27 billfish on circle hooks.

In 2009 we had 51 boats, 57 blue marlin (52 released), 94 white marlin, and 93 sailfish with a release rate of 97.91% and total of 244 fish entered – that’s just great fishing folk’s. This brought our 19 year totals to 889 boats having competed in the Governor’s Cup and releasing 2,354 billfish!

Thanks you to all of our tournaments, boats, sponsors, NC Division of Marine Fisheries and our volunteers for all of the support over our 20 years. We look forward to many years of good fishing to come!