Record-breaking $100,000 raised at R4R Spring 2025!
Our R4R Spring 2025 Fly Fishing Tournament was incredible! 27 teams embarked on an adventurous weekend and enjoyed a wonderful few days of fishing the beautiful rivers of Almont, Colorado.
The Spring tournament was full of camaraderie, fun, and some great catches! Everyone enjoyed cozy stays at the Almont Resort, delicious food and drink, and time spent casting their lines for a cause – raising money for Rett Syndrome.
The event kicked off on Thursday, April 24th, as everyone checked in and mingled with fellow anglers. After checking in, participants enjoyed beer from 4Noses Brewery on the newly renovated outdoor deck at the Almont Resort. Our bartenders, John Volek, Steve Riddle, and Brennen Riddle, kept the cocktails flowing. A buffet was served with hamburgers with all the fixings, and participants enjoyed dinner while listening to music by Shawn Nelson and Kory Montgomery . Thank you to Brunson Meat Company for providing the beef!
On Friday morning, the fishing began! Mother Nature must have been on our side because it was a beautiful day for fishing! Teams took off to a variety of stunning river locations in the Almont area, and were able to explore the Gunnison River, East River and Taylor River. Participants arrived back at The Almont Resort after a full day of fishing to find cold drinks and tables set with a list of auction items, as well as a buffet featuring a prime rib and smoked turkey carving station. The participants dined while listening to Dr. Benke speak about Rett Syndrome and how the clinic benefits Rett Syndrome patients and their families. Rett Dad Ben Tinsley also spoke about his family and his daughter Tilly and their journey with Rett Syndrome, from the struggles of finding a diagnosis to what is happening in their lives now. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Scott Henley spoke about his recent visit to the Rett Syndrome Clinic and what an amazing experience it was. He informed the participants that we were very close to breaking a fundraising record and getting bids in! Our auction started, and Brett Barker, our auctioneer, did a phenomenal job of involving all the participants. Heads or Tails is always a popular game played during the auction and everyone participated. Brett wowed the crowd when he performed the official longest tongue twister in one breath. Our auction raised a record-breaking $100,000 to support the Rett Clinic at Children’s Hospital Colorado! The evening was capped off by the music of Sean and Kory, and everyone headed to bed in anticipation of Saturday’s fishing.
Saturday was another beautiful, sunny day perfect for fishing. Participants came back from fishing to enjoy beer and cocktails on the Almont Resort deck. On Saturday evening, winners were announced in the following categories:
21” Rainbow – Adam Alfieri and Doug Becker, Murphy
25” Cutbow - Sierra Smith, Daughter of Committee member Ken Smith
8” Cutthroat - Justin Brunson, Brunson Meat Company
24” Brown - Steve Loshbaugh, Three Forks
17” Palomino - Tom Wilson
River Steward (picked up most trash) - Lucas Igmire, 4 Noses Brewery
Smallest Fish – Sean Cannon, 4 Noses Brewery
First Fish on a Fly Rod – Ian Carr, Almont Resort
44 Fish - John Schutte and Blake Bennett, Dream Finders Home
49 Fish Team 3 Forks - Steve Loshbaugh and Mike Jones, Three Forks Lodge
55 Fish – Adam Denno and Quentin Matthews. Adam is a Risers committee member
And our overall winners:
Jack Hoyt and Ryan Tracy
Congratulations to everyone!
On Sunday, everyone headed home with full hearts and fun memories of a weekend spent fishing for a cause! One participant shared about R4R Spring 2025: “Amazing location and experience. Not to mention the wonderful charity event!”
We want to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who participated in the Spring 2025 R4R Event, as well as to the wonderful Almont Resort for hosting our event. Thank you for helping to advance care, fund research, and support families affected by Rett Syndrome. We are so grateful for your support and can’t wait to see you at our next R4R event!
If you missed the event, check out a few pictures below!
