The devastating effects of Hurricane Ida have been all over the news, and the aftermath continues to be one of the biggest news stories in the country. More than 1 million people are still without power as a result of the Category 4 hurricane that swept through South Louisiana and Mississippi. It’s going to be a long road for these communities to get back on their feet, which is why Bassmaster Elite Series anglers Hank Cherry and Brock Mosley are doing everything they can to help those in need.
If you follow Hank Cherry on social media or have heard him speak on the Elite Series stage, you’ve probably heard him use the phrase “don’t blend.” The back-to-back Bassmaster Classic champion feels as if this is a perfect time to live by that motto.
“This is a definite example of not blending in and standing up to help other communities,” Cherry said. “I just felt like I needed to do something. I want to use my platform to help those in need right now.”
Right after the hurricane hit, Cherry teamed up with his title sponsor, Woods to Water, to formulate a plan to get down to Louisiana and help those in need. The Great Outdoors, a sporting goods store in Cherryville, N.C., was kind enough to lend Cherry a massive trailer to load up goods to haul down to the Bayou State.
The response that Cherry and company received after posting about their efforts on social media was incredible. The local community donated an overwhelming number of supplies to send with the North Carolinian — which include water, food, tarps, charcoal, roofing equipment, diapers, paper towels and countless other necessities. On top of the supplies, many individuals wanted to make cash donations, which led Cherry to create a GoFundMe relief account for the communities that were affected.
Initially, the goal was to reach $5,000. That number was reached within the first day. The plan is to keep the account open to donations and wait to use the funds until they know exactly what is needed most.
“Our area is so great,” he said. “We’ve had people all across the board reach out to help, which has been really cool to see. It may end up that we need two trailers to haul everything by the time we leave.
“The people down there have been devastated by this storm,” he continued. “We’re just trying to do as much as we can to help. Really, it’s just the right thing to do.”
The reigning Bassmaster Classic champ plans on heading west on Sept. 1 to meet up with fellow Bassmaster Elite Series angler Brock Mosley, who is currently assisting Tyler Rivet and his family in Raceland, La. Cherry, Mosley and Rivet all room together on the Bassmaster Elite Series and have created a special bond.
“It’s not just about Tyler,” Mosley said. “It’s his entire family. We consider his family our family.
“I was in touch with Tyler the entire day when the hurricane landed. I got a hold of him while I was at Lowe’s and got them a load of supplies and let them know I would bring them as soon as I could.”
Mosley is planning on dropping off materials and helping out as much as possible before heading back to his home state of Mississippi where he will gather more supplies to bring back.
With almost nonexistent cell service to contact Rivet, Mosley and Cherry are anxious to make it down and help assist with the early stages of rebuilding.
If you would like to donate to Cherry’s relief fund click here.