WINFIELD — The third annual Bass N’ Dash at Winfield City Lake netted more than $3,000 for the William Newton Hospital Auxiliary and Huxley’s Halo of Hope, while adding a new event that helped make this year’s fundraiser the biggest yet.
Held May 30, the event combined its popular bass fishing tournament with an inaugural 5K trail run, drawing 24 adult anglers, 15 children for the kids fishing derby and 32 runners.
“Luck was on our side this year,” William Newton Hospital Director of Volunteers Brittney Shaffer said. “We had an incredible day on the trails and water — the storm system that dumped heavy rain in Winfield grazed just south of the lake.”
Proceeds from the event will support the William Newton Hospital Auxiliary’s ongoing projects and Huxley’s Halo of Hope, which provides comfort items and keepsakes to families grieving the loss of a baby.
“This event continues to evolve, and we are thrilled to welcome runners into the mix this year alongside our anglers,” Shaffer said. “We thank each of our participants, dedicated volunteers and generous sponsors for their vital contributions to our community hospital and healthcare initiatives.”
In the adult fishing tournament, Koal Meier and Timber Neal claimed first place with a catch weighing 12 pounds, 4 ounces to earn the $500 top prize. Craig Thompson and Bryce Lane finished second, while Justin Hogan and Jacob Behrhorst won the Biggest Catch pot with a bass weighing 6 pounds.
The inaugural trail run crowned Talon Suttles as the overall winner. Hattie Smith won the women’s division, Trevor Smith finished first in the men’s division and Michael Nuss captured the 10-and-under division.
In the Kids Fishing Derby, Charlotte Macklin earned first place with a total catch weighing 3 pounds, 6 ounces. Beckett McNown finished second, followed by Erica McNown in third.
Organizers also recognized this year’s sponsors: South Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad, Jonathan Leeper of American Family Insurance, The Cooler, CB Ranch LLC, Gold Nutrition Winfield and Third Nail Media.
The annual fundraiser is hosted in partnership with Winfield City Lake and benefits local healthcare initiatives through the William Newton Hospital Auxiliary.
