Grand Haven State Park and "Pursuing a Dream," in conjunction with Grand Haven Area Public Schools and the Ottawa Area Center, are pleased to announce a "Get Hooked" fishing event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon, May 12 and 15, at Grand Haven State Park.

"Pursuing a Dream" is a nonprofit organization founded in 2002 to provide opportunities for persons with disabilities to enjoy the outdoors. By providing guided, safe, hands-on recreational experiences, mentors aid and offer assistance to help individuals accomplish what was never thought possible.

Over the two days, event organizers expect more than 250 children with special needs will go fishing. Last year, 167 children from Ottawa County were able to wet a line, thanks to "Pursuing a Dream" and several local sponsors.

Individuals who wish to help sponsor the event or mentor a small group of fishermen, or if you know a child with special needs who would like to participate, please contact Randy Hansen with "Pursuing a Dream" at (616) 842-6638; e-mail randy@centennialsec.com or visit www.pursuingadream.net. No prior experience is needed to be a mentor -- just a love of the outdoors.

Grand Haven State Park is located at 1001 Harbor Ave. in Grand Haven. Participants should meet at the fisherman's parking lot, along the channel at Grand Haven State Park.

For more information about this event, the park, accessibility, or persons needing accommodations to participate in this event, contact the park supervisor, Pat Whalen, at (616) 847-1940 (TTY/TDD 711 Michigan Relay Center for the hearing impaired) or visit www.michigan.gov/grandhaven.