Kahuna's Kids, a Leo A. Longoria, Jr. Memorial Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. It was founded in loving memory of Leo A. Longoria, Jr., who passed away from cancer on July 27, 2015. Leo had for many years helped organize an annual Mentoring Kids Fishing Derby through the Del Norte Bass Anglers fishing club. The purpose of this event is to host a group of at-risk youth for a fun-filled day of fishing with experienced anglers. Each child and their mentor are taken out on boats at Patagonia Lake, Arizona. The children are given their own fishing rods, tackle, event T-shirts and award plaques that they are able to take home with them. They spend the morning fishing and are then treated to a lunch which has been prepared for them. Take a look at our photos page and see what fun it is!
This event has taken place every year since 1984. The children who participate in the event have come to us through other programs such as Mentoring Tucson's Kids and One on One Mentoring. In addition, a majority of our founders have participated in this event as volunteers for many years. Our founders consist of family and friends of Leo who recognize the importance of this event and are dedicated to see it continue. In order to accomplish this goal, we will work with Del Norte Bass Anglers to help support this event.
Our desire as a non-profit organization is to continue the legacy that started back in 1984. Our mission is to encourage youth participation in the sport of fishing and appreciation for the great outdoors. Our goal is to sponsor events and provide opportunities for at-risk and low-income youth to participate in such fishing and other outdoor activities. We hope to educate youth and the general public on the need for our children to spend quality time outdoors, including for their physical, mental and emotional well being.
In order to encourage youth participation in the sport of fishing, Kahuna's Kids will continue helping to organize an annual Mentoring Kids Fishing Derby. It is our goal to make each event better than the last. We are 100% volunteer-run and we are grateful for the support we have received from our local community.