FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Cassie Smith 662-562-0100, ext. 1-231 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 3297 Highway 51 South P.O. Box 97, Senatobia, MS 38668

Stringing Fish and Smiles around the Lake

Senatobia, Miss., May 11, 2009 - Fishermen were all smiles as they caught fish after fish at The Baddour Center Fishing Rodeo on Friday and Saturday, May 1st and 2nd.

“The Fishing Rodeo was fun for all,” said Karen Dunn, Director of Development and Public Relations for The Center. “Connecting with sponsors and individuals from the community reminded us how blessed The Baddour Center is to be nestled in a supportive community, where people care and help each other because we’re neighbors.”

The Fishing Rodeo was held on The Baddour Center’s grounds at 3297 Highway 51 South in Senatobia, Miss. Baddour residents and guests from North Mississippi Regional Center’s Senatobia group homes were the first to cast on Friday night.

Over 30 participants in the youth competitions, held early Saturday morning, proved their patience as they waited for lightning to clear, and their fishing dedication and enthusiasm shined despite the cloudy skies and rain. Open Fishing was planned for the rest of the community but was canceled the day of the event due to thunderstorms.

Penny’s Pantry provided free breakfast goodies for participants, while the First United Methodist Church of Senatobia’s youth group sold snacks to raise money for its upcoming mission trips.

“Although we didn’t have an awards ceremony due to rain, it’s a successful event when resident and youth fishermen were heard yelling ‘I got one!’ all around the lake,” Dunn said. “Our focus for this event was to celebrate The Center’s 30th Anniversary with the community, and we are grateful for everyone who made the Fishing Rodeo a success.”

The Baddour Center partnered with The University of Mississippi School of Health, Exercise Science and Recreation Management for the community-wide Fishing Rodeo. Graduate students worked with The Center’s Development and Public Relations Department to plan and organize the event and were on-hand that day to assist with the event.

Fishing Rodeo sponsors were Pride of the Pond Catfish, Tunica; Dixon & Associates, CPAs; J.H. Mize Insurance Co.; Q93.7 Radio; The Democrat; Mercier Chiropractic Clinic; Daul Insurance Agency, Inc.; and BackYard Burgers, Oxford;; Paul Baddour, Jr.; and Don Baddour.



The Baddour Center is dedicated to providing a model residential community for adults with mild and moderate intellectual disabilities in an environment that promotes maximum growth mentally, spiritually, physically, socially, emotionally, and vocationally. For more information about The Center, contact Cassie Smith toll-free at 1.888.4BADDOUR, ext. 1.233, locally at 662.562.0100, or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or you can visit The Center at www.baddour.org.