Kevin introduced Loren Simer who is the treasurer and a board member of Chaska Area Fishing with Friends. Loren has enjoyed a long and successful business career in a variety of roles, including engineering management, research and development, president, chief operating officer, and independent consultant.
Loren is a graduate of Harvard University. Additionally, he holds four industry patents in the areas of core wire securement, hydraulic switch, catheter shaft and actuated medica devices.
Loren shared with us that Chaska Area Fishing with Friends is a community based, non-profit organization that serves the western twin cities area. This organization started as a “group of old guys who liked to go fishing” but then they saw a need in the community. Their mission is to provide meaningful, enjoyable, no-cost fishing opportunities and boat tours to senior citizens, veterans, youth and adults with disabilities.
The organization really wants to make fishing available to all and show examples of how and where to fish. They host fishing events on piers and fishing events on Lake Minnetonka in one of their pontoons. They also host sunset cruises too! Their objectives include offering opportunities to those less fortunate, to introduce and educate youth and parent to fishing through various classroom and outdoor activities, and to offer volunteer opportunities for men and women by giving back through helping others.
He shared a great story about a little girl they took fishing who loved it so much that her mother had to take her fishing every day for two weeks!
Loren wrapped up his presentation by talking about what his organization needs. While they always need monetary donations, what they really need are people to captain the boats and be part of the boat crew, people to do public relations and community outreach, people to manage the website and social media, people for project management and administration and for volunteer recognition.
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