Memorials, Fundraisers for Nik Kayler and Family

Nik Kayler’s brother, Philip Kayler (center right), and Nik’s wife, Kelly Kayler (center left), embrace at the candlelight vigil held on Jan. 10 at C. Scott Driver Park. (photo by Richard Marion/Okeechobee News) Photo by Richard Marion/Okeechobee News.

January 17, 2018 • FLW • Archives

There are additional opportunities available to anyone who’d like to support the family of Nik Kayler, who perished in a boating accident at Lake Okeechobee during the Costa FLW Series event that began on Jan. 4.

According to a recent Facebook post, Nik’s wife, Kelly, has invited anyone who wishes to attend to join her family in a memorial service for Nik at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 20 at Journey Christian Church, which is located at 1965 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Apopka, Fla. You can read more about the service in a TCPalm.com article here.

In addition, the following memorials and fundraising efforts have been organized for anyone interested in participating.

Nik Kayler Memorial Tournament

Okeechobee Fishing Headquarters has announced that it will be hosting a Nik Kayler Memorial Tournament, with all proceeds going to benefit Nik’s wife, Kelly, and daughter, Caralee. Details are pending at this time, but possible dates are April 21 and May 19. Arrangements should be finalized sometime this week. Check the Okeechobee Fishing Headquarters Facebook page for updates, or call Mike Krouse at 863.763.2248.

GoFundMe

FLW angler Ryan Worthington set up a GoFundMe page for Nik and his family back on Jan. 6. The campaign has already generated more than $84,000. Donations are still being accepted.

Lew’s Meet the Pros Night Raffle at Sportsman’s Factory Outlet

In conjunction with their Meet the Pros Night event on Jan. 19 and 20, Lew’s and Sportsman’s Factory Outlet in Springfield, Mo., are conducting a special raffle with proceeds going to the Kayler family. The raffle includes items donated from local businesses in the Springfield area, as well as by fishing tackle companies and professional anglers. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the event or by calling 417.881.5397 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT, Monday-Friday. Raffle entries will be accepted until Jan. 31. Winners will be drawn on Feb. 1.

The Meet the Pros Night event, which includes seminars from 11 Lew’s pro-staff members including Marcus Sykora, Wally Marshall and Jason Christie, will be held at the Sportsman’s Factory Outlet store at 3031 N. Martin, Springfield, Mo. The event runs from 12:45 p.m.-6:15 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 19, and from 10:45 a.m.-4:15 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 20.

Find more details on raffle prizes (more are being added daily) at the Sportsman’s Factory Outlet Facebook page. An informational video has also been prepared.