05/03/2026
It’s been 20 days since we wrapped up the 20th Annual Tie-a-thon and, once again, you all knocked it out of the park with 44,600 flies—our third-highest total in 20 years!
For Terry Wittorp and me, the co-founders, we never imagined we would still be here after all this time—supporting over 41 nonprofits, distributing 406,200 flies, and meeting so many incredible people who share the same positive spirit and belief in helping others through the Tie-a-thon.
For those keeping score, 406,200 flies equates to $1,218,600.
With that said, on behalf of the Tie-a-thon Board—Terry Wittorp, Ann Miller, Don Reber, Andy Kitson, and myself—we would like to formally thank some of the many generous donors and supporters. Please forgive us if we inadvertently miss anyone.
First, thank you to all the individual fly tyers who worked tirelessly at the bench, tying 100 or more flies to support our mission. Your trust in us—to ensure your hard work reaches those who need it most—means everything.
Thank you!
Now for some additional thank-yous:
Izaak Walton League, Tim Kanczuzewski, and Todd Ezzell�Thank you for helping the Tie-a-thon secure the Izaak Walton League event space for our wrap-up party. We also appreciate the League members and board for allowing us to use such a fantastic facility. Everyone who attended was impressed, and we look forward to returning next year.
Raffle Donors�Thank you to rod builder Jeff Loosmore for the beautifully customized RL Winston 4wt Pure 2—it was truly a work of art.�Thank you to John Mangona for another outstanding fly box donation.�Thanks again to Tim Kanczuzewski for the Whiting Dry Fly Hackle and for connecting us with JimsFlyCo of West Yellowstone, MT, for an additional donation.�Thank you to Andy Kitson for the stunning artwork poster, and to Ron Carter for donating The Feather Bender’s Fly Tying Techniques book.
St. Joseph River Valley Fly Fishers (SJRVFF) (financial supporter)�This is where it all began 20 years ago, in collaboration with the Kalamazoo Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited to support their youth camp. Thank you for helping shape what we are today and for your continued financial support.
Kalamazoo Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited (KVCTU) (financial supporter)�Thank you to the other founding club. The Tie-a-thon was born from a need to supply flies for your youth camp. We appreciate the many tyers who have supported us for two decades, as well as your ongoing financial contributions.
Three Rivers Fly Fishers (financial supporter)�Thank you for your strong annual contributions and for being a key part of the Northern Indiana fly fishing community supporting our mission.
Dupage River Fly Tyers (DRiFT) (financial supporter)�A record-breaking year with 4,600 flies—thank you! Special thanks to Mark Agresta for leading the effort and organizing participation.
Heartland of America Fly Fishers (financial supporter)�Thank you to the members for both your fly donations and financial support. Special thanks to Martin Burch for his leadership.
Elkhart Conservation Club�Thank you for hosting our wrap-up event for 19 years. Your support from the very beginning has meant a great deal to us.
Fly Girls of Michigan�Thank you, ladies, for your continued support and fly donations. Special thanks to Ann Miller, Mary Lou Rogala, and Joy Lind for organizing tying events to boost participation.
Duneland Fly Fishers�Thank you for your consistent support each year, and special thanks to Eric Graham for serving as a passionate ambassador.
Columbia Basin Fly Casters�Thank you to Dave Meyers and the group for your generous contribution and for expanding our reach in the western U.S.
Colorado Women Fly Fishers�Thank you! Your growing participation each year is inspiring. Special thanks to Jane Retherford, Reb Daly, and Lydia Wickizer for promoting the Tie-a-thon at events and shows.
Texas Women Fly Fishers�Thank you for your incredible generosity—your donation of 11,000 woolly buggers made a lasting impact!
Little Elkhart Chapter of Trout Unlimited (LECTU)�Thank you for your continued support since your founding.
Martin Marketing�Thank you for the hats—and for supporting our mission!
Plano / Pure Fishing (Ryan Kleckner)�Thank you for donating the Plano boxes we use to ship flies to recipients.
Amish Trout & Andy Kitson (Artwork)�Your artwork continues to inspire and energize the Tie-a-thon community—thank you.
The Chefs�Terry Wittorp, Steve Birman, Tom Rondo, and John Mangona—thank you for another fantastic wrap-up meal!
Carolina Fly Fishing Club & Southern Fly Tyers Guild (William Glenn Jewett II)�Outstanding work—70 tyers producing 3,140 flies through monthly tying sessions!
Bear Owings�Another incredible 2,000-fly donation—thank you for your ongoing generosity and support of multiple causes.
Todd Ezzell�Thank you for your leadership and hands-on support. Todd is also the #2 all-time donor—an incredible achievement. And congratulations on being the Indiana State Archery Champion (Men’s Flaming Arrow Division)!
Wabash Fly Fishers�Thank you, and special thanks to Curly Hodson for organizing participation.
Blackhawk Rod and Gun Club�Another strong year—thank you for your growing support.
Our Recipients�Thank you to these outstanding organizations making a difference in the lives of children, students and individuals facing cancer. Please consider supporting them:
Reel Recovery
Fishing the Good Fight
Black Mountain Home for Children, Youth, and Families
Lee University Fly Fishing Education
Casting for Recovery (National)
On behalf of the Tie-a-thon Board—Terry Wittorp (Co-founder & VP), Don Reber (Treasurer), Ann Miller (Secretary), and Andy Kitson (Resident Artist)—thank you. We truly could not do this without you.
Peace,�Tim Scott�Co-founder & President
