The Kevin VanDam Foundation was formed as a charitable vehicle to utilize VanDam’s legendary pro angler status to create more youth interest and involvement in conservation and the ethical use of natural resources.
His success and family-friendly personality has made him America’s most recognized fisherman and the most revered pro angler of our time.
Established in 2014, the Foundation has made several donations in the form of cash, scholarships and fishing equipment to worthy charity groups that best represent VanDam’s standards for excellence, family values and passion for the outdoors.
Among those groups include March of Dimes, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Bronson Children’s Hospital, the Michigan DNR Outdoor Adventure Center and provided grants to various youth camps.
In addition, collegiate scholarships have been awarded to young anglers within the Michigan Collegiate Bass Circuit. Plans are already in the works to expand the Foundation’s scholarship program.
Every nickel of each donation goes into these programs as there is no salaried director nor is there any administrative cost withheld. Sherry VanDam handles all the day-to-day administrative tasks with no cost to the foundation.
Some of the donations involve free youth fishing tackle for worthy groups. Because his long-standing reputation in the fishing tackle industry, VanDam can purchase equipment at substantial discounts through his relationships with industry leaders, increasing the value of each donor’s dollars.
“We believe that any child whom we can expose to a positive outdoors experience is likely to ignite his or her own love and respect for natural resources and carry that into adult life,” said VanDam.
VanDam launched his professional bass fishing career 27 years ago and has shattered several records along the way. In addition to winning 25 professional events, he’s won seven Angler of Year titles and won four Bassmaster Classic Championships.
Despite his busy touring schedule, VanDam takes time to visit Children’s Hospitals in host cities of the Major League Fishing Tournament Trail and has hosted sick children as part of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
He and his wife Sherry committed themselves to youth causes in 1997 when their sons Jackson and Nicholas were born 15 weeks premature and spent 92 days in a Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit.
Today, those boys are healthy college students and enjoying a normal life thanks to modern day research that preceded their birth.
In 2016 the Foundation donated sophisticated camera equipment that will allow families to view their children in the Bronson Neonatal Intensive Care Unit even though they can’t physically be at the hospital.
The Foundation is fairly young but the VanDams are committed to expanding opportunities to help more kids nationally through innovative fund raising programs that are already in the works.
The Kevin VanDam Foundation is committed to supporting groups and organizations that give kids a chance to enjoy the woods and waters and preserve our bountiful natural resources with respect and integrity.
