Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Orange Beach Sportfishing Club has turned a love of fishing into a powerful force for good. In 2025, the club’s charity tournaments brought anglers, families, sponsors, and volunteers together along the Gulf Coast. Participants enjoyed friendly competition on the water while rallying behind important causes. Their efforts are now making a lasting difference for children and ocean wildlife.

The club announced that its 2025 charity tournaments raised more than 25,000 dollars for two organizations. Those events included the 13th Annual Kenny Vines Memorial Fishing Tournament, held in September at Tacky Jack’s Orange Beach. They also included Casting for a Cure, held in May at OSO at Bear Point Harbor. Together, these tournaments turned entry fees, donations, and sponsorships into meaningful support.

The money raised will be shared between Children’s Hospital of Alabama and The Billfish Foundation. Children’s Hospital of Alabama will use the funds to support pediatric care and cancer treatment and research. The Billfish Foundation will apply its share to international research and conservation programs. These efforts help protect billfish species around the world and support healthier environments.

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The Kenny Vines Memorial Tournament remains a favorite tradition among Gulf Coast anglers. The event honors the memory of Kenny Vines, a respected fisherman and community member. Organizers say his passion for the water continues to bring people together year after year. Fishermen and families return to celebrate his legacy while supporting causes he would have valued.

Casting for a Cure, held each spring, has grown into a major draw for the region. This year’s tournament set participation records, with strong turnout in both inshore and offshore divisions. Many young anglers took part, learning about teamwork, sportsmanship, and giving back. Their involvement helped raise funds for pediatric cancer care and research, as well as billfish conservation.

Club leaders say the heart of the effort lies in the community spirit on display. “These tournaments showcase the heart of the Orange Beach fishing community,” said Justin Lowe, President of the Orange Beach Sportfishing Club. He explained that local anglers are eager to step up when help is needed. Their passion for fishing becomes a way to support people and the environment.

Lowe said the events prove that even friendly rivalries on the water can lead to serious impact. “Through friendly competition and generosity, we’re making a real difference for children and for the future of our fisheries,” he said. Organizers point out that the tournaments are about more than winning trophies. They are about working together for something larger than any single team or catch.

The club also highlighted the crucial role of sponsors and partners along the Gulf Coast. Local businesses provided financial support, prizes, services, and in-kind donations. Volunteers contributed long hours to handle registration, weigh-ins, and family activities. The club credits this network of support with making each tournament smooth, safe, and successful.

According to the Orange Beach Sportfishing Club, these charity tournaments will remain a key part of its mission. Leaders plan to continue honoring tradition while expanding opportunities for families and youth. With strong backing from anglers, businesses, and supporters, they hope to grow both events. Their goal is to keep raising money and awareness for children’s health and ocean conservation in the years ahead.