$ 1
2023 Charitable Contribution
$ 1
Charitable Donations Since 1986

CHARITY FIRST

SUPPORT THE BIG ROCK FOUNDATION
and help benefit charities and worthy organizations throughout Eastern North Carolina.

The Big Rock Foundation proudly announced a momentous 2023 donation of $1,659,000 to charities on Giving Tuesday. This extraordinary contribution is the largest annual donation and marks a milestone for the foundation. The Big Rock Foundation’s charitable giving now surpasses $10 Million since 1986!

September 14, 1957, marked the first-ever landing of a blue marlin in Morehead City. Today, we’re making history once again by giving back $1.6 million to well-deserving organizations in Carteret County and beyond. It’s our way of honoring the spirit of that historical catch 65 years ago and paying tribute to the growth of the tournament.

The Big Rock Foundation is proud to announce its largest single donation ever made – a transformative donation of $500,000 to Carteret Health Care for the establishment of a state-of-the-art oncology center. The funds will be utilized to establish a cutting-edge cancer center at Carteret Health Care, providing crucial resources for the diagnosis, treatment, and care of individuals facing cancer. This initiative aligns with the Big Rock Foundation’s mission to make a lasting impact on community health and ensure that residents have access to top-tier medical facilities and services.

BIG ROCK CHARITABLE GIVING REACHES $10 MILLION

 The Foundation combines the passion of its donors, tournament participants, sponsors, and retail customers to generate funds for its philanthropic endeavors. Those funds are distributed among a carefully selected group of charities that align with the foundation’s mission. The charities represent a diverse range of causes, including but not limited to education, healthcare, community improvement, and conservation.

The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament isn’t just about fishing; it’s about creating a tidal wave of change. The Big Rock Foundation knows how to ride that wave, turning every dollar from retail sales, every generous donation, and every participant’s enthusiasm into a force for good.

MISSION STATEMENT

1. To promote sportfishing throughout Carteret County and the state of North Carolina.
2. To promote Conservation among Sportfishermen.
3. To raise money for Charities and Worthy Community Projects.
4. To preserve Maritime Culture and Heritage.
5. To promote Marine Education

CORE CHARITIES

Boy Scouts – East Carolina Council
Broad Street Clinic
The History Place
Hope Mission Soup Kitchen
Martha’s Mission Food Cupboard
BIG ROCK KIDS Boys and Girls Club

NC State University Research
NC Symphony
The Station Club
Crystal Coast Hospice House
KWLA Carteret Health Care Cancer Center

2023 CHARITY RECIPIENTS

Autism Society of NC
Beaufort Little League
Beaufort Middle School
BridgeKids Preschool
Broad Creek Middle School
Coastal Pregnancy Care Center
Croatan High School-BAND
Delta Health Foundation
East Carteret-Band
Family Promise
IGFA
Knights of Columbus- LAMB Foundation

Make a Wish
Military Appreciation Day
Morehead City Middle School Band
Newport Babe Ruth League Inc.
Newport Little League
NC STATE University
Purpose Driven Youth Ministry
Pretty in Pink
West Carteret Band
Western Carteret Fire and EMS
Carteret Community Theatre
Carteret Health Care

APPLICATION DEADLINE AUGUST 2, 2024

The application period for 2024 Big Rock Grant Requests is OPEN.

CONTACT

Crystal Hesmer, Big Rock Foundation Director
(252) 241-1515, crystal@thebigrock.com