Letter of Thanks
Costa Compete + Conserve
In 2021, Costa Sunglasses expanded its longtime support of bass fishing with the introduction of Costa Compete + Conserve – a contingency program that not only awards the highest placing angler wearing Costa Sunglasses in select tournament trails, but it also donates to one of five conservation partners on the angler’s behalf.
An industry first, the popular bass fishing contingency program proved to be highly successful in its inaugural year, and looks forward to continued growth in 2022.
But before we look ahead, we first want to spotlight the conservation element of this program and simply say “thank you” to all involved.
Protecting our watery resources has long been a pillar of the Costa Sunglasses brand, which is why Compete + Conserve was built around a conservation ethic. The special donation to these purpose-aligned partners enables bass anglers – from the top professional to the weekend fisherman – to play a part in protecting the waterways and fisheries we love so dearly.
In just one year, more than $21,000 was donated on behalf of the winning anglers and Costa Sunglasses. The quotes and project information below illuminate the overwhelming sense of gratitude surrounding this program from conservation partners and anglers alike.
“We are grateful that the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame was chosen as one of the organizations that anglers can select in the Costa Compete + Conserve contingency program. This program is a great example of Costa’s long-standing commitment to the conservation of our natural resources. This year’s donation and future expansion of the program will not only showcase Costa’s conservation ethic, but help spread the word about the good things the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame is doing to celebrate, promote and preserve the sport of bass fishing.”
– Conservation Director, Gene Gilliand
“The scope of and need for reservoir habitat restoration is beyond the capability of government agencies alone. It will take public and private partnerships to meet these challenges. The mission of Friends of Reservoirs is to create and foster such partnerships. All reservoir users (anglers, boaters, lake associations, municipalities, corporations) are needed to join professional fisheries and reservoir managers in turning the tide of habitat degradation in our nation’s aquatic systems.
Friends of Reservoirs applauds Costa’s corporate conservation ethic and developing the Costa Compete + Conserve Program, to further these conservation efforts. Friends of Reservoirs will use Costa’s donation to expand our Small Grants Program which focuses on promoting collaborative habitat restoration efforts.”
– Coordinator of the Reservoir Fisheries Habitat Partnership, Jeff Boxrucker
National Fishing & Wildlife Foundation
“The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation very much appreciates the support received this year from Costa Compete + Conserve. These and other funds will be put to good use helping to protect and restore vital habitats throughout the United States, including the freshwater streams, rivers and lakes that are home to native bass species.”
– Director of Corporate Relations, Michael Moerschbaecher
The Johnny Morris Wonders of Wildlife Foundation
“Donations from programs like Costa Compete + Conserve enable us to partner with local organizations, as well as support national and global conservation efforts, ensuring wildlife and wild places for future generations! Huge thanks to Costa and the Compete + Conserve contingency program for their efforts in 2021.”
-VP of Operations for Conservation Attractions, Bryan Nadeau
“Healthy fish need healthy rivers. Through Costa’s Compete + Conserve program, anglers can do what they love while protecting what they love — rivers. American Rivers is grateful to Costa and to all of the bass anglers who chose American Rivers as their donation recipient through this program. Their dedication helps us protect and restore rivers and clean water, so that fish — and fishing — can thrive far into the future.
Donations through Costa’s Compete + Conserve program will help American Rivers permanently protect and restore more than 10,000 miles of rivers nationwide and work in 25 cities to improve access to healthy rivers and clean water in 2022.”
- Director of Corporate Relations, Anne Paterson
Four-Time Compete + Conserve winner and Costa PRO, Ott DeFoe
“Compete + Conserve not only puts more money in our (the anglers’) pockets, but it really gets us thinking about conservation efforts. Winning bonus money is great, but this program enables me and other anglers to give back to our freshwater resources is what makes Compete + Conserve truly special.”
Costa PRO, Casey Ashley
“Let’s be honest, if you’re a tournament angler and you’re not wearing Costas, you’re doing yourself a huge disservice. So my take on it, is why not seize the opportunity to make more money for yourself and benefit conservation? It just makes sense to me, and even more than that, it allows us to be a part of something bigger.”
Costa PRO, Kevin VanDam
“It’s evident that Costa is driven to a higher calling than just making high quality fishing sunglasses. The work they do to protect the fisheries – where we’re lucky enough to work and play – in addition to the future of our sport is what made me so excited to be a part of this brand. Since coming on board, I’ve been telling as many folks I know about Compete + Conserve. The program is a great way to get our industry involved in doing our part for future generations.”
