Big Fish, Big Names, Big Money, and Big Heart

Partnering with the Arizona Coyotes, Gary has supported the Coyote Alumni Association’s Charity Golf Tournament auctioning off a Pro-Bass Fishing trip each year that has benefited groups like the Arizona Disabled Sled Hockey Team, the Gordie Howe Alzheimer’s Charity Fund, the Phoenix & Greater Area Minor Hockey Associations, the Katchinas Girls Hockey Program, various educational scholarships, and more.

Impressive as that sounds, it is a drop in the bucket compared to Gary’s contributions through the years. Gary’s time on the bass fisherman circuit coupled with corporate sponsorships like Mercury Marine and Triton Boats, along with organizational partnerships like the Coyotes, United Food Bank, Alice Cooper Solid Rock Teen Centers, Kurt Warner First Things First Charity, and Mesa United Food Bank, have given him many charitable fundraising opportunities and the ability to make some big-name acquaintances.

Some of those big names include the above-mentioned football hall of famer Kurt Warner and Rock ‘n Roll celebrity Alice Cooper, along with Canadian professional hockey player Shane Doan, Chicago Bears quarterback Jim McMahon, and Washington Redskins quarterback Mark Rypen. And those relationships have spurred even more charitable giving opportunities.

“I became a professional bass fisherman in 1985 because I loved fishing,” explained Gary. “I ended up with some sponsors quickly and did pretty well. It’s been an opportunity to fish all over the world, meet great people and get involved with some amazing charity work that allowed me to donate trips to benefit others. It really took off when I partnered with the Coyotes.”

The organization holds various fundraising events that attract VIPs from all over the country, many of whom are influential business executives, athletes, and celebrities. Gary’s professional bass boat is typically displayed front and center, and it is not unusual for his donated fishing trips to go as high as $5K.

“I met Alice Cooper at one of the events and now participate in some of the great work he does as well, which includes supporting a 30,000-square foot Teen Center with recording studio and graffiti artist lessons to give kids a safe place to gather,” said Gary. “And the charities Kurt Warner supports are equally amazing and include ‘First Things First’ out of St. Louis, Mo., an organization that helps young single mothers.”