By Anna Olcese
Doug Johnson practically grew up at the Boys Club of Alachua County during the 1980s, when it was one of only a couple of facilities in Gainesville where kids could attend summer camp, participate in athletics and have structured after school programs. He fondly recalls how the Boys Club “had it all,” including tremendous support from the community. Today, the facility — now called The Boys & Girls Club of Alachua County — struggles to keep its doors open. Johnson refuses to allow that to happen.
The former Gator quarterback, NFL player and successful businessman was dismayed when he returned to Gainesville in 2003 and saw the condition of the place he once considered his second home.
Formerly filled with children who, like Johnson, were growing up in happy, stable homes with loving and supportive parents, the present-day club primarily serves the underprivileged — children whose childhoods are much different than his. Johnson believes that because the club now plays such a significant role in the lives of those who are most in need, its success is more important than ever.
“It made such an impact on me — someone from a solid family,” Johnson says. “Imagine what impact it’s having on kids without a family life.”
That passion is what motivated Johnson to establish the Reeling for Kids Fishing Tournament, now in its 10th year.
To date, the tournament, which takes place June 7 and 8, has grossed at least $600,000 for the Boys & Girls Club of Alachua County and has become one of the largest tournaments on the Gulf Coast, attracting about 115 participating boats and a $33,000 grand prize.
All revenue generated from the tournament goes to the club. A certain amount is guaranteed each year to cover operating costs and general maintenance. The remaining amount goes into a building fund, which will ultimately be used for a total renovation of the facility. Johnson’s goal is to raise $500,000 for that project.
The tournament is made possible by the support of several sponsors, most notably, W.W. Gay Mechanical Contractor, who has been with Johnson “since day one.”
“Mr. Gay is a special human being,” Johnson says. “He is a humanitarian and a remarkable person.”
Johnson also is thankful for sponsors such as Mirage Custom Boats and Mercury Marine, who donate a boat and engine every year, plus his newest major sponsor, Info Tech. Johnson emphasizes how grateful he is for the support of all the sponsors but wanted to mention the three who have gone “above and beyond” for so many years.
With this year’s tournament on the horizon, Johnson is taking a minute to think about his fondest memory. It occurred the first year of the tournament, when they allowed children from the club to participate.
“The kids arrived by bus, and they already were wearing their life preservers,” Johnson chuckles. “Then after the tournament, we couldn’t find any of the fish that the kids had caught. We finally found them inside their backpacks. They had hid them in there to ensure that they’d be able to take them home!”
Kids will be kids, and Johnson is doing everything he can to make sure they all have a second home like his.
The 2013 Reeling for Kids Tournament takes place June 7 and 8. For more information or to register, visit reelingforkids.com.