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Our Story
Back in June of 1974, four young men from Southern California worked together at the same company. They were always talking about their summer vacation plans, so that summer they decided to take a trip together. They planned a fishing trip to the High Sierra’s and chose Twin Lakes (Mono Village Campground) as their “base camp”, just twelve miles outside of Bridgeport, CA. They stayed for a week and spent a lot of time fishing, relaxing, and patronizing the various establishments in the Bridgeport community. The trip was a success! When these four guys went back to work and told their friends about the good time they had, several of their friends decided to accompany them on the trip the following year… Still in June, still in Bridgeport, CA, and still for the camaraderie, fishing, and fun!
This infamous trip turned into an annual thing… the first week of June, in Bridgeport, for fishing and fun! The group grew in numbers and they even ended up naming themselves: The Fishin’ Mission! That small group of friends from 1974 has now grown to nearly one hundred members who reside in five different states and nearly fifty members attend the trip each year.
Over the years The Fishin’ Mission has helped raise funds to keep the local Bridgeport Hospital open and had various fundraising events for national organizations such as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the Multiple Sclerosis Association. During this time, the group raised nearly $25,000 for various charitable organizations!
In June of 2008, they came to Bridgeport again to celebrate their 35th Annual Fishin’ Mission Extravaganza!
Leveraging the business acumen of our various members, focusing on giving back to the community that has given so much to us, we are proud to present the Fishin’ Mission Foundation Inc.!
As of 2024, the Fishin’ Mission Foundation has donated nearly $250,000 to over ten different local Bridgeport causes.
Our Mission
The Fishin’ Mission Foundation’s goal is to raise money, through the contributions of its members as well as the contributions of others, for assistance with a variety of needs in the community of Bridgeport, CA. The FMF will identify various needs through the activites of its members and interaction with the local community.
Those needs will be prioritized based on a vote of the members, and any distribution of funds will be made based on those priorities and the availability of funds for distribution.
The initial focus of the FMF will be related to scholarships and fish enhancement projects, but as we raise more funds our ability to expand our assistance will increase proportionately. In small communities like Bridgeport, access to this type of funding is usually very limited, and we will strive to build trust and support, and to provide financial assistance, wherever we can.
Our Board Members
GARY WALKER – PRESIDENT
Mr. Walker is retired from the financial services industry, after over 35 years of experience in various professional positions with several large institutions including Bank of America. His industry focus was also on technology and payment processing services with companies like Visa. He has previously held a board position with the Cerebral Palsy Association of Sacramento, CA and has held leadership roles in various United Way Programs. This background and experience has been an asset to the growth and expansion of our foundation.
JIM REID – VICE PRESIDENT
Mr. Reid is currently the owner of Ken’s Sporting Goods in Bridgeport, California, and has lived in Bridgeport since 1972. He has been involved in business since his family purchased a local restaurant in 1986. He is a past president of the local Ducks Unlimited chapter, past president and current member of the Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce, member of the Bridgeport Gun Club, past fire fighter and current Commissioner of the Bridgeport Volunteer Fire Department, and board member of the Bridgeport Fish Enhancement Foundation. His knowledge of the local area and its citizens has been a great resource to the Fishin’ Mission Foundation in regards to appropriate fund utilization.
CARMINE DECICCO – TREASURER
Mr. DeCicco works as a Vice President and Commercial Banker for a community bank in northern California and has worked in the banking industry for over forty years. In addition to daily work responsibilities, he is currently on four non-profit boards of directors and participates in fundraising activities for two Chambers of Commerce. Re-investing personal resources of time, energy, and leadership, is an important part of his commitment to giving back to those things, and places, that he feels have given so much to him.
TONI RUGGLE – SECRETARY
Mr. Ruggle is the current manager of California Water Service Company in Oroville, California, and has been with Cal Water for 28 years. He is a past president of the Kiwanis Club and currently serves as a board member. He attended Chico State University where he competed in Track & Cross Country and served as team captain. He continues to run for a club that develops post-collegiate athletes. His years of service, hard work, and giving back to organizations and his community will enable him to work hard for the Fishin’ Mission Foundation.