Updegraff Vision Proudly Supports The Pediatric Cancer Foundation

October 23-25th marked the 12th annual tournament bringing together anglers and celebrities fighting the battle against pediatric cancer. Stephen Updegraff, MD, has supported the foundation and it's efforts for many years.

St. Petersburg, Fla. (Vocus/PRWEB ) November 7, 2009 -- The weekend of October 23-25 marked the 12th annual tournament bringing together anglers and celebrities fighting the battle against pediatric cancer– Top anglers teamed with celebrities to raise money for the Pediatric Cancer Foundation (PCF) October 23-25 at the 12th annual Grand Slam Celebrity Fishing Tournament, presented by Nestle Purina PetCare. Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Wade Boggs will once again be the honorary host for the event.

Stephen Updegraff, MD, has supported the PCF’s mission for many years. The Pediatric Cancer Foundation exists to raise money to fund pediatric cancer research. The focus is to fund research to find less toxic, more targeted treatments which will lead to the elimination of pediatric cancer worldwide.

The festivities took place at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort Hotel in St. Petersburg and has long been considered the premier fishing tournament on Florida’s West Coast. Celebrities and avid fishermen gathered in their quest to snag the biggest fish while raising money to “reel in a cure” for childhood cancer.

The tournament is a favorite among master fishermen, sponsors and celebrities.

Event highlights:
The Steve Yerrid Kids’ Fishing Derby – Held at the Vinoy Basin on Friday morning, October 23, children with cancer and their families will learn to fish, have the chance to put their lines in the water in search of the ultimate catch and eat lunch with tournament celebrities.

The Fishermen’s Ball – This invitation only tropical reception was held Friday evening, October 23, at the Vinoy. Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, tropical music, along with a live and silent auction that boasts numerous sought-after items.

Inshore fishing – On Saturday, October 24, the action on the water began as boats loaded with celebrities, fishing guides and fishermen participated in two full days of inshore angling. Competitors departed from the Vinoy Yacht Basin, with fishing taking place in Tampa Bay tributaries for redfish, snook and trout. Inshore boats typically carry two anglers, a celebrity and professional fishing guide.

Awards – Inshore anglers competed for beautiful trophies that were awarded during a cookout Sunday afternoon at 5 p.m. at the Vinoy.

Sponsorship and angler entries for the tournament are available for next year by contacting PCF at 813-269-0955. Coastal Conservation Association officials provided scoring, and their organization benefitted partially from event proceeds.

About the Pediatric Cancer Foundation
With its national headquarters in Tampa, the Pediatric Cancer Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding research to eliminate childhood cancer through The Sunshine Project, the Foundation’s collaborative research program. By employing doctors and researchers from the country’s top institutions, The Sunshine Project is fast-tracking the development of new drugs and therapies that will ultimately lead to the cure of childhood cancers. For more information log on to www.fastercure.org.

About Stephen Updegraff, MD, FACS
Stephen A. Updegraff, MD, FACS, is the Medical Director of Updegraff Vision Precision LASIK and Cataract Center (formerly Updegraff LASIK). To learn more about Dr. Updegraff, to “meet the staff”, or to learn more about Updegraff Vision, please visit www.lasik4me.com.

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