Since 2014, this beloved event has raised nearly $102,000 for Fragile X research — with more than $20,000 coming in this year alone. So what’s the secret?
Joey Christoff and his family host this multi-day fishing competition at their Hilton Head, South Carolina, home, turning a world-renowned vacation destination into a fundraising powerhouse.
Guests compete to catch the biggest fish within a set time period, with prizes awarded by weight — and bragging rights that last all year.
This year’s catch? Absolutely incredible. Check out these beauties!
Not only was this my first time fishing, but I had an awesome time catching multiple fish. The trip was amazing. Being able to fish with friends, but also have a good time while doing it for a good cause was amazing. This was a 10 out of 10 experience And I can’t wait to do it again.
Thank you for putting together a great event to support a cause that deserves more recognition. I never envisioned, catching 3 sharks in one day … I told my friends, “one of them was a Great White!” Hopefully your work and fun gatherings, like we experienced, will help get the word out. Nothing but appreciation.
I have had the pleasure to participate in the annual Fragile X Fishing Event the last 4 years and always look forward to the next one. It has been a great reunion with Joey and our college friends and have also met some other friends of Joeys throughout the years. Not only are we able to reunite and tell funny old college stories but we get to have new experiences together for a great cause. The fishing is tons of fun and something I only do on this trip. The dinners and just hanging around talking are awesome as well. Even got to play some Pickleball this past trip, which is a new passion and had a lot of fun. I give Joey tons of credit for organizing and hosting and most of all raising money for the FragileX cause, which is so important.
A Family Tradition
Joey started the Fishing for a Cure tradition in honor of his son, Mitchell, who has Fragile X syndrome, and for his wife and mother-in-law who are carriers at risk of Fragile X-associated disorders.
The landscape of managing life with Fragile X is constantly changing and presents a unique set of challenges for parents and caregivers. Joey’s drive comes from the desire to give hope to all families and to raise awareness and funds for the National Fragile X Foundation.
I am devoted to raising awareness and funds to support Mitch and all those living with Fragile X. Hopefully someday there will be a cure.
Joey Christoff served as a National Fragile X Foundation volunteer board member for six years and has traveled to Capitol Hill as an advocate.
