Lew’s Partners with Missouri FOP in Fundraiser for Wounded Officer - Major League Fishing

Lew’s Partners with Missouri FOP in Fundraiser for Wounded Officer

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This Ranger wrapped with the Lew's logo will be raffled to help raise funds for an injured police officer.
February 18, 2015 • MLF • Archives

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Lew’s and the Missouri Fraternal Order of Police have teamed in a major fundraiser to benefit Springfield, Mo., police officer Aaron Pearson and his family. Pearson was seriously wounded in late January while responding to a burglary call.

The fundraiser, deemed the “Team Pearson Boat Raffle,” is the result of Lew’s officials providing the FOP with significant prizes to stimulate ticket sales in support of the Pearsons’ needs. The grand prize is a fully rigged 2015 Ranger boat with trailer and a Mercury 250-hp outboard motor, a package valued at $75,000. The two runner-up prizes are considered “dream fishing trips,” as each is with a nationally recognized angler.

One trip is with Hank Parker, host of the Hank Parker’s Outdoor Magazine television show. The other trip is with Jason Christie, a three-time Walmart FLW Tour tournament winner. Both trips are for the respective prize winners and a guest each.

Officer Aaron Pearson was seriously injured on duty, and members of the fishing community have come together to help raise funds for he and his family in this trying time.The Parker prize package is valued at $10,000, and the Christie trip at $5,000. All three prizes also include an assortment of fishing rods, reels, tackle bags and lures. Raffle tickets cost $20 each and can be purchased at officerpearson.com.

Lew’s is headquartered in Springfield. CEO Lynn Reeves says that Pearson is a true American hero, and the team at Lew’s has a responsibility to help.

“He sacrificed to keep our community safe,” Reeves says. “We know that it’s now our turn to make sure Aaron and his family have everything they need to see them through their challenges ahead.”

While Pearson has been steadily improving and is now out of the ICU, he will require long-term care and rehabilitation.

“Aaron is an outstanding officer, and we’re ready to stand by him,” says Mike Evans, president of the Springfield Police Officers Association. “So many local businesses have come forward to help, and we’re thrilled to see this effort from Lew’s. With everyone coming together for this raffle, I think we’ll be able to take great care of Aaron and his family.”

Reeves also says a number of outdoor industry companies in addition to Lew’s helped make the prize packages possible, and extended a “thank you” to them on behalf of everyone in the Springfield area. Among the other prize contributors were Grosse Savanne Waterfowl and Wildlife Lodge, Gene Larew Lures, Plano, Onyx Life Jackets, Strike King, River2Sea, Rat-L-Trap, Owner Hooks, Bullet Weights, K2 Coolers, Ranger Boats, Mercury, Humminbird, Minn Kota, Power-Pole, TH-Marine and HydroWave.

Team Pearson Boat Raffle tickets are available for purchase during the period of Feb. 13-May 31. A third-party accounting firm will conduct the drawing on June 5, 2015. Visit officerpearson.com for more details about Aaron Pearson, the fundraiser and prizes.