To provide children in need with the opportunity to participate in recreational fishing though the various fishing programs sponsored by the Foundation, thereby, encouraging and supporting future generations of anglers, to set high standards for sportsmanship in recreational fishing and to teach youngsters both the skills and the ethics of sport fishing while introducing them to the enjoyment of the sport; to encourage and financially support research and educational programs that will ensure the future of recreational fishing.

LOU BERKE TROUT DERBY

Each year since 2003 the Foundation sponsors the Lou Berke Trout Derby for Special Needs Children. This event is usually held in April. 40 students participate in this activity. The students come from Leichman High School and Sven Lokrantz School for Special Education. In addition to the 40 students, this event requires 100 volunteers from cooking breakfast and lunch, to preparing tackle and cleaning fish with the ultimate goal of having a one-to-one ratio with each student while fishing.

MENTORS TRIP

Taking "at-risk" children for a day of fun with each child having a mentor while learning the skills of fishing. Two of these trips are planned for August each year.

KIDS TRIP

July is the month - this is an event the Foundation has been sponsoring since 1950. We have taken over 15,000 kids thru the years - usually 200+ kids participate. A typical day includes meeting at the crack of dawn, consuming something for a quick breakfast, fishing half day along with all the food they can eat from the galley .. we supply all tackle, food and beverage along with a trophy for each child participating in this event. These children come from areas which include the Boys & Girls Club of the greater Los Angeles and surrounding areas, orphanages, LA's Best, Vista Del Mar, New Directions for Youth plus foster children, etc.

CURRENTLY

For the 4th consecutive year LARRC foundation will be making grants to 4 students in the Marine Biology dept of Cal State Univ Long Beach. This year we will be awarding $2250.00ea to two Graduate students pursuing Masters Degrees and $1000.00ea to two undergraduate students. These grants have “no strings attached” and are used by the students at their discretion for various expenses related to their programs, which could be diving expenses or tuition at the USC Catalina Island Marine School where most of the enrollees are from CSULB. The foundation believes in nurturing student activities related to the well being of our ocean resources. Professor Chris Lowe, dept. head of Marine Biology has been an annual speaker at one of our monthly general dinner meetings.

OTHER ACTIVITIES
Grants to the National Coalition for Marine Conservation, our once a year swap meet of fishing tackle donated by club members - funds raised used to support Foundation activities.