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PARTNER WITH US!

Let’s join hands to make a difference in the lives of people who have spent their lives serving ours. Let’s come together to serve our community

You may make donations in person during the event at or anywhere in the world through our Givergy page by clicking on the donate button below!

About the Marathon Man’s 2021 Mission:9/11

On September 10-11, 2021, seven-time World Championship Team Member Jeff Kolodzinski will fish for 24 hours straight to break a Guinness World Record by catching 2,977 fish — one fish for every life lost on 9/11. But he’s not fishing against others…HE’S FISHING FOR OTHERS. Kolodzinski must catch more than 2 fish per minute for 24 hours straight to break the record.

All funds raised go to Fishing For Life in support of their NextGEN program and the local First Responders of Spring Bay, IL. The event will be held at  Sankoty Lakes Resort and Retreat near Peoria, Illinois.

Kolodzinski is not attempting to break his own record for a spot in the record books. He’s doing it to introduce people and families to fishing and to increase awareness and financial support for Fishing For Life, a non-profit, tax-exempt charitable organization whose Next GEN program finds mentors for children of families in need. A special focus within the program serves families of our veterans who have lost loved ones while serving our nation. It’s important to me to remember those who have sacrificed for our nation, so we’re holding our event on9/11. This is a day and a time that we can honor those who have given all, and shine a light on those still serving.

“My true passion has always been to introduce people — especially families — to the sport of fishing,” Kolodzinski explains. “Partnering with Fishing For Life and Giant Goose Ranch is my way of giving back to the sport that’s given me so much while bringing awareness to a program that supports our military heroes. We hope to raise money — from inside and outside the fishing industry — to fund the Next GEN program for the many families of military personnel who will benefit from it. Along the way, I think we can show people how great the sport of fishing really is — how it promotes nature, family, camaraderie and fun in the outdoors. It’s been a huge part of my life, and I want to share it.”

About Fishing for Life

Fishing For Life is a non-profit, tax-exempt charitable organization that has numerous programs and events through which it reaches out to youth and families. Each program — large or small — has been carefully designed to be a positive experience, and all are designed not only to introduce us to one another, but to deepen our relationships as well. The Next GEN program is designed to provide intentional, consistent, measurable one-on-one fishing and outdoor-related experiences, and meaningful spiritual guidance for youth from military families and from single-parent households. Youth in the program range in ages from 10-16 years old and are from military and/or single-parent families, with a special emphasis on those who have a parent on active duty, those who have lost a parent due to war, and those who have a parent who has become incapacitated due to their war wounds. For more information, visit fishingforlife.org.

Every donation matters

A donation in any amount matters, and donations over $25 enter you into a drawing for prizes from Marathon Man sponsors.

Some have pledged $.10 per fish, $.25 per fish, or just flat gifts – $25 to $100 seems to be the most common. Donate NOW!

Thank you for being part of this critical mission!