Why Morning Hatch Foundation?

We are so stoked for the 2023 Fly Fishing Film Tour!  Not only does the film tour bring our fly fishing community together for an evening of great films, the F3T brings us together to support a great cause. All proceeds from the event – from ticket sales, to raffle prizes, to the auction – will go toward battling the mental health issues plaguing our community.

This year, the proceeds from the Film Tour will be donated to the Morning Hatch Foundation. David and Becky Leinweber, owners of Angler’s Covey and founders of Morning Hatch, recognize that Colorado Springs, El Paso County, and the state of Colorado are severely impacted by the damaging effects that mental illness has on a community. Sadly, and perhaps surprising to many, Colorado ranks fifth in the nation for suicide with El Paso County having the highest suicide rate in the state.

In the past, Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, a veterans fishing organization, has been the sole recipient of the proceeds from the F3T. The reach can be broader.

For this reason, the Leinwebers created Morning Hatch.  The Foundation will serve as a means to enact change in the Pikes Peak Region.  Proceeds will be made to other organizations that know the power of outdoor experiences to change people’s lives, such as Project Healing Waters, and other organizations that apply. Organizations will go through a careful application and selection process for funding and support which will provide a new level of transparency and accountability for how organizations utilize the funds granted.

With this wider network of recipients, the Morning Hatch Foundation will help manage the allocation of donations and maintain the highest level of transparency regarding the use of all funds. This change aims to provide a long-term solution as we tackle the challenges essential to the health of our community.

What does this mean for you?

First, it means that we get to enjoy an evening of great films focused on our fly fishing passion.  This year’s lineup of films promises to follow the long history of great films. Check out the Stoke Reel here.

Second, it means that we are supporting the larger community of the Pikes Peak Region.  We are all impacted by the devastating effects of this mental crisis. From family members, to friends, to co-workers, to classmates — all of us have been touched by mental health issues.

Finally, we all can contribute to working toward a solution. We know that outdoor experiences contribute to a healthy mind, body, and spirit. As a fly fishing shop, we are lucky that our passion can be that connection to the outdoors.

Join us Saturday, March 18, at Stargazer’s Theater.  Doors open at 5:00. Films begin around 6:00pm.