Help Hook the Cure Derby

On August 29, 2009, the 5th Annual Help Hook the Cure Derby will have boats from all around Massachusetts on the waters of Boston Harbor between 5am and 3pm. Nick Frasso, along with the Winthrop Lodge of Elks, will lead the charity event benefiting the Michael J. Fox Foundation. A BBQ featuring a DJ and raffle prizes will begin at 3pm to announce the winners. “Everyone always has a great time and a lot of laughs at the derby,” says Nick Frasso. “I named my boat the Shake N’ Bait because a little humor helps me stay positive.” The derby, organized by Frasso, was highlighted in the summer 2006 issue of Parkinson Report and has raised $50,000 to date. The catcher of the largest striped bass will go home with $1,000 while the person with the second-largest will receive $250. Kids will receive a trophy for their participation. Head to Boston Harbor on August 29, 2009 and help hook the cure. Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in April of 2000, Nick Frasso spends his days fishing, hunting, and most importantly, helping to find a cure for the illness that he and many others live with. At the age of 48 he was forced into retirement, leaving his long-lived career in the restaurant business behind. Without work, he made his hobby of fishing into a full-time job and organized the 1st Annual Help Hook the Cure Fishing Derby which took place on August 20th 2005 at the Winthrop Lodge of Elks. The derby had fisherman from all along the east coast competing to hook the largest striped bass in Boston Harbor. Due to the outstanding success of the first four derbies (donating over $50,000 to Parkinson”s Research), Nick is proud to bring the competition back to Boston Harbor for a fifth year. Nick is an active member in his community of Winthrop, where he was awarded the Elk of the Year Award for 2006, a prestigious award of the Lodge of Elks that recognizes individuals who have impacted their community. Born in Winthrop, Nick still resides in his hometown with his wife, two children, and golden retriever Mae.