09/01/2026
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UNITED WAY'S 'FISH THE CHICK' RETURNS THIS WEEKEND
Grab your fishing partner and make plans for a Labor Day weekend tradition thatâs celebrating a pretty big birthday.
United Wayâs Fish the Chick is turning 15! The 15th Annual Fish the Chick Fishing Tournament hits the water Saturday, Sept. 5, at first light!
And after 15 years, thereâs a lot to celebrate.
Since the very first Fish the Chick, the tournament and online auction have raised more than $80,000 to help women and children in need right here in Rhea County.
What started as an idea from Fish the Chick founder Jenny Nevans has grown into a community tradition that brings anglers, businesses, donors, volunteers and some very competitive bidders together each yearâall for a great local cause.
âFifteen years later, itâs pretty amazing to look at what Jenny started,â said Dewanna Laning, United Way of Rhea Countyâs new Executive Director. âFish the Chick is fun and competitive. Most importantly, it is something that really mattersâour community coming together to help women and children right here at home.â
This yearâs milestone is also a chance to recognize Jenny Nevans, whose creativity and determination launched Fish the Chick 15 years ago. One idea became a tournament. The tournament became a tradition. The auction became part of the fun. And year after year, the community kept showing up. Fifteen years later, Jennyâs idea is still making a difference.
âSometimes a great idea just needs someone willing to get it started,â said Angie Drake, United Wayâs Solutions Coordinator. âJenny did that 15 years ago. She gave Fish the Chick its start, its personality and its heart. Weâre incredibly proud to honor her as we celebrate this milestone.â
A Fresh Start for United Way of Rhea CountyThe 15th anniversary of Fish the Chick comes at an important moment for United Way of Rhea County, as Dewanna Laning steps into the role of Executive Director and begins leading the organization into a new chapter. With new leadership comes an opportunity to reconnect with the community, build new relationships and create a clear path forward.
âWe are genuinely excited to have Dewanna on our team now,â said Josh Moffett, Vice President, United Way Board of Directors. âShe is an intelligent, hardworking, Rhea County native that has a tremendous amount of passion and compassion for our area. With her at the helm, we have a bright future for our United Way and all of Rhea County.
For Laning, Fish the Chick offers a fitting place to begin that next chapter: a homegrown event with a 15-year history of bringing people together and turning their generosity into tangible help for local women and children.
Itâs a new season for United Way of Rhea County â and the community is invited to be part of it.