Valerie’s House was honored to be one of the beneficiaries of the 2024 Calusa Sportsman Foundation Inshore Benefit, a weekend filled with incredible memories. One standout moment was when several of our teens had the opportunity to fish with world-renowned Captain James Marko, also known as Goliath Fishing. With a large social media following and his own ESPN show, Captain James is a household name in the fishing community.

This special fishing trip was part of a fundraising package to benefit Valerie’s House. In an incredibly generous gesture, Kellie Urban and Rita Keltner purchased the package and decided to gift the experience to our teens instead. Peyton, Nick, and Cal joined Captain James for a day of fishing in the Calusa Sportsman Foundation Fishing Tournament, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

The teens spent the day reeling in snook after snook, learning valuable fishing tips from one of the sport's best. Captain James Marko's expertise and kindness made this an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Calusa Sportsman Foundation, Captain James Marko, and the generous donors, Kellie Urban and Rita Keltner, who made this day possible. Your support helps Valerie’s House continue its mission of providing grief support to children and families. This experience not only gave the teens a day of fun but also reminded them that they are surrounded by a community that cares.

To check out all of the sponsors who made this incredible event happen, click here: Inshore Benefit 2024 | Calusa (calusasportsmanfoundation.org)

For more stories about how Valerie’s House is making a difference in the lives of grieving families, visit our website and learn more about our programs like children’s grief counseling and youth grief support.