Linda Rike’s real estate signs are a staple around the Crystal Coast. She jokes about being in the business 33 years, “I only fish for buyers and sellers.” The truth is fishing is something dear to her heart.
2018 will be Rike’s twenty-first year as a Big Rock sponsor. She smiled when she thought about when she was first approached about the idea. “It was Crystal’s first year as director. She just walked in here and nicely asked. And I just said “sure” and didn’t think twice. The rest is history.” Rike credits the hard work of the board, volunteers and sponsors for what she calls a “huge milestone.”
The 60th Anniversary of Big Rock has Rike very excited, especially about the potential for charitable funds to be raised. “That is the aspect I love. Charity First. That is where it is at. It is dear to my heart and important to me,” she explained.
Rike says she could not resist the offer to sponsor the Keli Wagner Lady Angler tournament. She has had friends diagnosed with cancer and wanted to do more to support their care and recovery. She loves to come up with items for the seabag each year. And was not ready to reveal her contribution for 2018 just yet!
You can expect to see Rike at the scales for daily weigh ins. She also enjoys the social gatherings associated with the tournament and raves about the ladies events. “Every year when it is over. I think, what am I going to do tomorrow,” Rike explains.
At the end of our conversation Linda raised her glass to have a sip of luke warm coffee. She smiled as she drank out of a KWLA tournament cup.