For the City Times
STEVENS POINT – Worzalla is holding the second annual “Reel It In For Reading” ice fishing competition in support of the Portage County Literacy Council (PCLC). The competition invites the community to submit photos of their largest ice fishing catches during the month of February. Worzalla has committed to donate $5 per entry, up to $1,500 to the Portage County Literacy Council and will award cash prizes to the entries with the largest catches. To honor the first-place winner, Worzalla will donate $500 to the school or community library of the winner’s choice.

“We loved seeing the community come together around reading and literacy through a favorite Wisconsin winter pastime,” said Brianne Petruzalek, Vice President of Human Resources at Worzalla. “We’re looking forward to crowning this year’s winner and continuing to support The Portage County Literacy Council, which does such important work throughout the year to help adults achieve their literacy goals, a mission that is close to our hearts at Worzalla.”

The PCLC works with adults to help them achieve the ability to read, write, and speak English; in addition to understanding and using information to make decisions about their lives. Worzalla’s donation will go towards PCLC’s one-on-one tutoring and small group instruction programs.

“Literacy gives adults the tools they need to care for their families, maintain employment, avoid poverty, understand health information, get involved in the community, access further education, and so much more,” said Kristy SeBlonka, Co-Director at Portage County Literacy Council. “Worzalla has been a consistent partner in supporting our mission, and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone’s catches and support for Reel It In For Reading.”

The “Reel It In For Reading” ice fishing competition is open to all Worzalla associates and any community member residing in Portage, Wood, Marathon, Adams, Waushara, Waupaca, or Shawano counties in Wisconsin. In the adult category, cash prizes and trophies will be awarded to those who catch the largest fish measured by length, with $200 going to first place, $150 going to second place, and $100 going to third place. Those 16 years and younger may enter the youth category, with a $100 cash prize and trophy awarded to the first place winner, a $50 cash prize for second place, and a $50 prize for third place. An Honorable Mention category awards $100 to the Worzalla associate with the largest catch.

“Reel It In For Reading” Official Rules:

-No entry fee is required.

-Entrants will supply all the necessary photos along with their name, address, age (if in the Youth category) and phone number to the email [email protected]

-Fish must be caught during the contest time period of Feb. 1 – Feb. 28.

-Spear fishing catches are not allowed in the contest. Only line-caught entries will be accepted.

-Each photo entry must be accompanied by the 2022 Worzalla “Reeling It In For Reading” badge which can be downloaded on Worzalla’s website www.Worzalla.com beginning on Feb. 1.

-Contest winners will be awarded by the biggest fish caught as determined by length, measured by the following rules: Fish must be measured from mouth to the tail. Photo must include the entire fish, not just the measurement end. Participants should enter two photos, one on a measuring device/bump board – preferably not a construction measuring tape – and one of them holding the fish for future media uses.

-All entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 28.

-The decisions of the judges are final in all contest matters.

-Worzalla is not responsible for any personal injury or loss of personal property for any contest entrant.

-Entrants agree to have their name, image, and the picture of their winning entry used by Worzalla for promotional purposes.

-All winners will be announced by March 3. Prizes will be awarded following the announcement.

Worzalla also encourages the community, if they are able, to make a contribution to the Portage County Literacy Council’s mission at pocolit.org/donate.

Worzalla has a history of supporting a variety of causes in Portage County, including donating books to libraries and schools, sponsoring literacy and learning events, and participating in community-wide fundraisers and charity events. Worzalla prints many popular children’s books and is best known for being the domestic manufacturer of the popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. More information is available at Worzalla.com.