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The 8th Annual Valero & Diamond Green Diesel REEL UNITED Big Bass Tournament held on March 21-22, raised $322,171 for the United Way of Mid & South Jefferson County, continuing its tradition of supporting local nonprofit programs and those in need in the community. 

This milestone is the latest in nearly $1.5 million raised over the past nine years through this tournament, with funds benefiting essential programs in the region,according to organizers.

The event kicked off Friday night with a welcoming dinner and party featuring a live band, exciting raffles, door prizes, and games. Over 3,000 attendees gathered to celebrate the tournament’s opening, which saw more than 1,000 anglers sign up to compete. The night’s showstopper was the 54 sponsor tents, showcasing cook teams, beverages, and interactive sponsor booths. Prizes for sponsor raffles included Turtle Bos speakers, large baskets, Blackstone grills, cornhole boards, fishing gear, and more.

Saturday morning saw anglers hitting the water at 7 a.m. for their first casts, with the first fish weighed in at 8 a.m. By the end of the day, 70 adult anglers and 26 youth anglers had earned spots on the leaderboard, with a staggering 420.29 pounds of fish caught. The highlight of the tournament was Eric Jeansonne, who claimed the title of Big Bass Champion with an impressive catch weighing 9.95 pounds.

Valero, the lead title sponsor behind the event, has been instrumental in raising both awareness and funds for the United Way of Mid & South Jefferson County. This year’s event also marked a significant recognition for one of the tournament’s co-title sponsors, Diamond Green Diesel, and the Tournament Director, Dustin Loden, who were honored with the United Way’s Community Impact Award for their dedication to creating a positive impact in the community. Valero was also awarded the prestigious Champion of Hope at the United Way’s annual meeting, a recognition that acknowledges their ongoing support through volunteer hours and generous financial contributions.

“We are incredibly proud of the collaboration between Valero, Diamond Green Diesel, our sponsors, anglers, and attendees who have made this event a tremendous success,” said Janie Johnson, CEO of United Way of Mid & South Jefferson County. “The funds raised will directly support over 40 programs across our region, from food distribution to housing and mental health services. Our community is stronger because of these partnerships, and we are deeply grateful to all those who made the REEL UNITED Big Bass Tournament possible.”

The United Way’s work includes initiatives aimed at supporting youth opportunity, healthy communities, financial stability, and community resiliency. In 2024 alone, the United Way MSJC distributed over 1.2 million pounds of food, delivered over 178,000 meals to elderly residents, provided 27,234 therapy sessions, and supported more than 53,000 local households with basic needs.

About the United Way of Mid & South Jefferson County (MSJC):

The United Way MSJC is dedicated to improving the lives of people in our community through partnerships, grants, and initiatives that address the region’s most pressing needs. Through their efforts, they support both individuals and families, ensuring access to resources like food, shelter, and education. Learn more at www.unitedwaymsjc.org.