Avalon Invitational Offshore Fishing Tournament - Fishing for a Cure

July 7th to 15th, 2023: Donate or signup here

Over $100,000 raised since inception!

All proceeds benefit NF2 Biosolutions. Weigh Station accessible by water just inside Townsends Inlet – Calcuttas pay 100%. All Entry Fees are made directly to NF2 Biosolutions, a 501C3 Charity.

*Email Kevindoc@gmail.com or text/call 484-347-1174 for details.*

Q&A with Kevin Dougherty, the founder of Avalon Invitational Offshore Fishing Tournament, Fishing for a Cure.

Q: What is your relationship with NF2?
Kevin: My connection to NF2 Biosolutions is Dr. Nicole Henwood (founder of the charity) and Andy Henwood. Their son, AJ, received a diagnosis in 2018 and as lifelong friends, I found this to be the best way to support them. I consider them family and my connection to this cause direct.

Q: Tell me about your fundraiser.
Kevin: The Avalon Invitational is an annual offshore fishing tournament featuring 30 boats (and growing), 18 sponsors, and countless donors. Contestants target ‘big game’ fish such as Tuna, Wahoo and Swordfish to see who can catch the heaviest 3 fish combined during one day of fishing.

Q: Exciting! How does the tournament raise money?
Kevin: Fundraising comes from the contestants themselves who pay an entry fee, sponsors who support our cause with cash, services, & merchandise, proceeds from tournament t-shirt sales, and the generosity of people in and around the sport of Saltwater fishing. 2019 was the first year for the tournament and we raised $8000 for NF2 research. It has increased in size each year since and total donations generated by the event exceeded $100,000 by the end of the 4th year

Q: This sounds like a lot of work! Tell us about the commitment.
Kevin: I am still able to drive the fundraiser primarily on my own with some help from NF2 BioSolutions folks like Gilles Atlan and Nicole Henwood. While the time commitment is still significant, it is important to me to contribute to Andy, Nicole & AJ’s cause in a meaningful way. It is the generosity of friends and sponsors that inspires me to keep it going annually.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to share?
Kevin: The sponsors and donors need to be thanked. While I was inspired in the first year, I was overwhelmed in the second year with donations and sponsorships more than doubled year-over-year! My sponsors are primarily “shop local” types of businesses, but for anyone who wants to support or thank them for their contributions, their website contacts page is linked below. I am sure they’d love to hear from you all even if it is just to say thanks for supporting the tournament.