TEXARKANA, Ark. -- More than $22,000 was raised for United Way Greater Texarkana at the seventh annual Cooper Tire Big Bass Tournament on May 14 at Millwood Lake near Ashdown, Arkansas.
The event drew 139 fishermen, and $13,300 in cash prizes was given out.
United Way President Mark Bledsoe thanked the organizations involved for helping put together what he called a successful event.
"They have made a huge impact on our community," Bledsoe said. "Monies raised from the tourney go into our campaign fund. The UWGT partners with over 30 programs across a nine county region in (Northeast Texas) and (Southwest Arkansas), focusing on programs that support health, education and financial stability."
Eric Thomas was the overall big bass winner with a lunker bass weighing 6.12 lbs. Just missing out for the top spot was Chad Hodgens at 6.05 lbs., and third position was Pat Massey with 5.96 lbs.
"This tournament could not have happened if it weren't for a dedicated tourney committee, countless sponsors and regional fishermen. This tournament just gets better every year -- more fishermen, bigger cash prizes and more quality raffle items," said Kyle Thomas, project chairman and United Way board member. "We couldn't serve nearly as many people needing help if it weren't for community-minded partners like Cooper Tire and Rubber Co. and (United Steelworkers) 752L."