There is something about finding camaraderie with someone from your own neck of the woods, and then there is something else entirely about finding something of a kindred spirit in the heart of another person. That is precisely what moved Mickey Grant from Trailer Hook Pal when he learned of the donations that Elite Series
pros John Crews, Mike Iaconelli and Ish Monore are making in the month of April.
With April being Autism Awareness Month, Crews, who has long been a supporter of Autism Awareness campaigns, announced he was donating a dollar for each pound of bass he caught in the three Bassmaster Elite Series event in the month of April. Crews encouraged his Elite Series colleagues to do the same and his roommates on tour matched him.
The gesture struck Grant, who is partners with friend George Thomas in Trailer Hook Pal, at his core. The reason is that Grant’s teenage son Joseph has Asperger’s Syndrome, which is on the autism spectrum. “John’s desire to help people who deal with autism is so touching to me and my family that we decided to match what he, Ish and Mike are doing this month,” said Grant. “Not only will we match what those three are doing, but we are going to include the same dollar per pound amount for the weights of Trailer Hook Pal pro staffers Shaw Grigsby and Mark Menendez as well.”
Grant will be making his donation to ASAN, the Autism Self Advocacy Network that Crews’ donation will be made to. Crews said that he is encouraged by his Elite Series counterparts and people like Grant. “The fact that we are getting support from other people in the industry is what this is all about,” said Crews. “We appreciate the type of support and hope this will encourage more to donate and talk about Autism.”
With the first event of the month being held at Winyah Bay two weeks ago, and the Elite Series stops this week at Bull Shoals and Norfork Lake in Arkansas, followed by the Wheeler Lake event in Decatur, Ala. next week, the five angler’s performances could bring significant donations to the Autism Awareness movement.
For his part, Monroe said that he is happy to hear others taking part and caring enough to get involved, but he also said that he wants to make sure the donations are as high as possible. “I love this cause, and my friend’s hearts for it,” said Monroe with a giggle. “I’m gonna do everything I can to put a nice dent in Mr. Grant’s pocketbook.”
Grant answered by saying “Bring it on,” he said. “This is a cause that is close to us and near and dear to my heart, and I hope they all combine to hit 1000 pounds; I would love to be able to write that check.”
For more information about ASAN, visit them on the web at http://autisticadvocacy.org.
About Trailer Hook Pal
Based in Mechanicsville, Va. Trailer Hook Pal is a product designed to make installing trailer hook on lures easier and safer. Available in the original freshwater size, a saltwater size and the soon to be released Finesse version, Trailer Hook Pal can also be used for secure rigging of soft plastic baits on jigs, worm hooks, and spinners. To find out more about Trailer Hook Pal, visit them at their website at http://trailerhookpal.com.