NEWS & STORIES
Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc. Surpasses Goal for Healing on the Fly Boston
Healing on the Fly Boston was held virtually on October 28, 2021. It was a successful event, again, as it surpassed its fundraising goal, and raised a total of $84,895. All funds raised provide injured and disabled veterans with the support they need on their journeys to recovery.
Sarah Thomas, Board of Trustees member for Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc. (PHWFF), was the emcee for the evening. We held an online auction that began the week prior to the event and lasted throughout the evening. Blain Tomlinson, PHWFF Board Chair, provided a greeting and shared “Why I Serve.”
Todd Desgrosseilliers, PHWFF President and CEO, presented the Patriot Award to Ropes & Gray, LLP. Ropes & Gray has helped elevate PHWFF’s impact across the country. Ropes & Gray committed time, resources, and influence to help our organization recruit additional volunteers, serve more participants, and provide healing support. From 2014 to 2021, Ropes and Gray donated more than $1,000,000 to the organization in cash donations and pro bono legal services. Ropes & Gray, LLP, was recognized during the event, and Alexander “Sandy” Boer accepted the award.
Healing on the Fly Boston was a hybrid event. For those unable to make live appearances, we viewed pre-recorded messages that were highly impactful and enjoyed by all. Our special guest speaker, Clint Malarchuck was dynamic. Clint is a former NHL player and currently a passionate mental health advocate.
For the second year in a row, the women’s panel wowed the audience with their discussion, “Women on the Fly.” The women’s panel speakers were Amy Milne, PHWFF Program Manager; Crystal Woolen, PHWFF Regional Coordinator for the Rocky Mountain South region; Kelly Richard, PHWFF Participant in the Taos, NM program; and Sabrina Beggany, PHWFF Deputy Regional Coordinator for the New England region. Diane Wantz, PHWFF Deputy Regional Coordinator for the Midwest region and Program Lead for the Willoughby program, moderated the discussion. The women discussed what fly fishing meant to them as well as ways that other women can get involved in the sport of fly fishing and PHWFF.
The night ended with a few awesome musical pieces written for and by veterans.
The event would not have been possible without each of our generous sponsors:
Gary B. Schermerhorn, Goldman Sachs & Company – Presenting Sponsor
Ropes & Gray, LLP – Gold Sponsor
Dan Craytor – Program Sponsor
The Wampatuck Veterans/Jason and Michelle Roberts – Program Sponsor
Harold and Mona Brewer – Equipment Sponsor
Mark Desgrosseilliers – Equipment Sponsor
John and Carole Dowd – Equipment Sponsor
SEI Boston – Equipment Sponsor
Kate Sparrow – Equipment Sponsor
We look forward to next year’s event with hope that we’ll gather in-person based on CDC guidance.
To learn more about Healing on the Fly-Boston please visit HERE