The support of the Chad Day Fishing Tournament helps to ensure that everyone in our community has access to quality hospice care. Provided photo.

Chad Day was only 23 years old when he was diagnosed with glioblastoma brain cancer, and after 17 months of intense treatment, he was just 24 when he passed away. During his final weeks, Chad received compassionate care from Tidewell Hospice. Despite her worries about the cost of such care, his mom never received a bill from Tidewell.

In honor of Chad's strength, memory and his passion for fishing, his mom, Joann Day Dormeyer organized a tournament to raise funds for the Tidewell Foundation, which directly benefits Tidewell Hospice. This event has since become a cherished springtime tradition, drawing the community together to remember Chad and make a tangible difference for others in need of similar care.

The Eighth Annual Chad Day Memorial Fishing Tournament and Charity Event will cast off March 28 and 29 at Tarpon Bay Grill and Tiki Bar in Sarasota, bringing anglers, friends and supporters together for a weekend of remembrance, camaraderie and purpose. This year’s tournament will be the final one, and the family is determined to make it the most meaningful yet.

“What began as a way to honor Chad has turned into something far bigger than we ever imagined,” said Joann. “The love and support we’ve felt from this community has been extraordinary. As we bring the tournament to a close, our hope is that even more people, anglers and non-anglers alike, will join us to celebrate Chad’s life and help Tidewell continue its work.”

The event will feature a catch-and-release fishing tournament complemented by raffles, silent auctions and a 50/50 drawing. A total of $8,000 in prize money will be awarded, with cash prizes across multiple fish species that give teams 11 different chances to win. One team has the opportunity to take home as much as $4,250. In addition, the raffle prizes and silent auction items exceed $15,000 in retail value. To date, the tournament has raised more than $108,000 in net proceeds.

This final event aims to make the biggest impact yet for Tidewell Foundation. 

The support of the Chad Day Fishing Tournament helps to ensure that everyone in our community has access to quality hospice care. Provided photo.

To make a donation, visit