Reelin' in outstanding scholars, Isla Mujeres

Students March 2014

A criminologist, a nurse, a human resource administrator, a graphic designer, a petroleum engineer, a linguist, and an animal health specialist all have one thing in common; the Ron Brown Scholarship Fund available to qualified Isla Mujeres students.

Created shortly after Ron Brown's untimely death in the summer of 2009, the scholarship fund assists a limited number of students with tuition and the expenses of living off-island while completing their education at a university or college. 

Reeling for Ronnie tournament - P Parent Photo

Since its creation, Ron's close friend Richard Lock and the Lock Search Group have been the biggest supporters of the fund, along with Ron and Gwen's many personal friends and family members. The fund is incrementally, year by year, increasing the number of students that can be assisted.

In addition to personal donations, the fund also raises money through an annual fishing tournament organized by Richard Lock, Frank Berke and Peter Zukow. 

Patrick Parent - largest fish.

The Fifth Annual Reeling For Ronnie Fishing Tournament was held this year at the luxurious North King Lodge, located in the sheltered waters of Caamano Sound on the northern coast of British Columbia. 

North King Lodge Caamano Sound BC.

Participants from a variety of cities in Canada and the USA - Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton, 

Fort McMurray, Victoria, Vancouver, Minneapolis and Austin – enjoyed a fun-filled four days of fishing and camaraderie. Afternoons were consumed by the recounting of spontaneous and slightly exaggerated fishing stories. 

Airfare to Bella Bella, a helicopter ride to the fishing camp, meals, snacks, beer, wine, equipment, boats, and gear are all included in the price. Best of all (according to the website), there are no fish-stealing Sea Lions in the area! This is serious fishing country!

Gwen Brown and Mike Johnson

Between the tournament and a raffle for an all-expenses-paid fishing trip, the 2014 event raised a record-breaking $15,000.00 CDN; 100% of all money raised is used for paying tuitions and student expenses.

Here on Isla Mujeres, at least two dozen guys were salivating over that trip, purchasing handfuls of tickets in hopes of upping their odds. 

The winning ticket was drawn by Gwen Brown at a Friday night happy hour at Villa la Bella in February. Mike Johnson from Minnesota was the lucky guy, but his nephew was even luckier when Mike gave him the winning ticket. The moans and groans from various ticket holders were painful to hear; everyone wished that they were Mike's nephew.

Sorry guys! Maybe next time.....

Hasta luego
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