photo provided

Former Mount Pleasant Mayor Harry Hallman is pictured with his wife Brooke. He passed away last year. A fishing tournament is being held by Tru Blue’s in honor of Hallman. All proceeds go to Friends of Santa.

Former Mount Pleasant Mayor Harry Hallman enjoyed good fish. Heck, he enjoyed a good fishing trip. And even more so, he enjoyed giving back to his community. One of his favorite charities was Friends of Santa.

This is a non-profit organization that was started 30 years ago by a group on they Isle of Palms who wanted to help children and families in need.

Whether it's involved in providing fuel, food, shelter, paying utility bills, purchasing household appliances or providing essentials such as eye care or dental work for a child, East Cooper families have been able to survive hard times with a little help from their friends.

To date, over a $1 million has been raised for the community.

The group holds an annual Christmas party in August along with other events. They of course accept donations as well.

New to their lineup is a fishing tournament named in honor of the esteemed Harry Hallman.

Hallman passed away last year.

The first ever Harry Hallman in-shore fishing tournament will be held Saturday, July 30. Weigh-in will be held at 5 p.m.

The tournament costs $25 a person and includes a t-shirt and captain's party which will be held Thursday, July 28 at 7 p.m. There will be beer, wings and prizes at Tru Blue's at 1039 Johnnie Dodds Blvd.

Jeff Day with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources will be in charge of the weigh-in and measurement of all fish. Then you can enjoy fish and chips at Blue's after the tournament. Blue's will be ready to filet and cook your fish on their back deck.

Categories include sheepshead, flounder and there will be a bonus for the Biggest Dog Fish.

Proceeds will be donated to Friends of Santa.

Everette Jones, president of Friends of Santa said Blue's wanted to do something to honor an organization and do it in memory of Harry. They asked his wife Brooke who she wanted the proceeds to be donated to. She chose Friends of Santa.

"Harry always donated personal money to the cause and was at many of the annual dances," Jones said.

Brooke will be at the weigh-in Saturday night. If you do not want to fish, you can come to the party and pay a $25 donation.

"This is just such a wonderful opportunity to do something to remember a great mayor and citizen of Mount Pleasant," he added.

For more information email friendsofsanta@hotmail.com or visit www.friendsofsanta.com.

(Sully Witte can be reached by emailing editor@moultrienews.com. Visit the web site at www.moultrienews.com)