FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Pete Johnson Johnson Communications, Inc.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Pete Johnson Johnson Communications, Inc.

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Mercury and SKA Fishermen Spirit Challenge For N.C. Hurricane Relief Efforts

Tournament anglers raise money for Lenoir County's

American Red Cross relief funds

Lenoir, NC --- When Hurricane Floyd poured tons of rain on southeastern North Carolina, the flooding from the major rivers in the area brought about multi-fold destruction to thousands of homes.

Through the efforts of Mercury and its Southern Kingfish Association fishing teams competing in the Morehead City King Classic tournament in the outer banks area, relief for the local communities' welfare was eased.

Mercury's Pam Behnke said as the anglers drove to the tournament through the flooded areas they witnessed the devastation caused by the swollen rivers.

"As the tournament began the 75 teams started challenging each other at $100 a team, and the sponsors weren't far behind," she said.

Behnke, who manages Mercury's professional tour anglers across the country, made a challenge of $1,000 and as other sponsors stepped up she doubled the ante to $2,000.

Sam White, of the SKA, said additional funds were raised from the sales of the catches of fish to the local fish market.

Behnke added that the Carolina Power and Light (CP&L) presented even more help. She said the power company matched donations to the Hurricane Relief effort raised at the tournament and matched it again because one of its CP&L employees was also a member of the SKA family.

Checks totaling $51,000 are expected to be presented to the Lenoir County Chapter of the American Red Cross.

"It exceeded everyone's expectations as anglers and sponsors reached for their checkbook," said SKA's Sam White. "They reached into their hearts and their wallets. We're ecstatic that the fishermen were able to do this."

With tournaments running down from the Carolina's and around the Gulf Coast through to Texas, the SKA is celebrating its ninth year of competition. Over 200 teams who have qualified as tops in their divisions will meet in the SKA National Championship Nov. 18- 21 in Biloxi, Miss.

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