Lion Fish Bash weekend starts Friday

The Woody Foundation is holding the sixth edition of the Lionfish Bash on Saturday, June 25, one of four major events hosted by the Foundation each year. Lionfish Bash proceeds go to Jackson Rehabilitation Hospital and are used to purchase equipment and fund programs to help patients regain their independence. Patients use the equipment to recoup upper and lower body strength and in some cases, even learn to walk again.

Since The Woody Foundation’s conception in 2011, the charity has raised more than $1 million dollars to improve the lives of those living with paralysis.

The weekend starts with the Captain’s Meeting at Atchana's East West Kitchen located in The Mutiny Hotel at 6 pm on Friday, June 24 and is followed by a day on the water, weigh-in from 3 to 5 pm and dinner at Coral Reef Yacht Club at 7 pm on Saturday, June 25. 


“I spent three months in Jackson Rehabilitation Hospital following my injury and understand how important it is to have quality equipment and programs to help patients get back on track. The first few months during someone’s recovery are critical, proceeds from The Lionfish Bash changes people’s lives, I’ve seen it happen,” said James Woody Beckham, shown here with friends at last year's event.

The Lionfish Bash also helps to eliminate the invasive lionfish from local waters. Nonindigenous lionfish damage coral reef ecosystems in the Atlantic Ocean and throughout the Caribbean. Lionfish have venomous spines and should only be handled by an expert, however its firm white meat is delicious to eat. Prizes are awarded for largest lionfish, most caught and the most coveted award, smallest lionfish. Costs to participate in the 6th Annual Lionfish Bash are $500 per boat which includes entry for five divers and includes the awards dinner, $650 for eight at the awards dinner only or $85 per awards dinner guest. 

Cost: $500 per boat which includes entry for five divers and includes the awards dinner, $650 for eight at the awards dinner only or $85 per awards dinner guest

Tickets may be purchased here.
Info: woodyfoundation.org, facebook.com/thewoodyfoundation 

The Woody Foundation, Inc. is a not for profit organization formed to raise funds to help improve the lives of those living with paralysis. The namesake of the foundation, James “Woody” Beckham suffered his spinal cord injury making a rugby tackle in January 2011. Since then, Woody, his family and friends have bonded together to raise funds for local charities, which help others with paralysis. The Woody Foundation also distributes Woody Packs for free – the Woody Pack is a backpack loaded with assistive devices to help those with limited hand functioning.