(Posted January 22, 2007)


The initial NYSOWA Pass It On Award, sponsored by Bass Pro Shops, has been awarded to Allen Benas of Clayton, NY. The annual award recognizes an outstanding  individual who has shared the outdoor heritage by helping others gain the skills, knowledge and passion for the outdoors, and has thus involved them  in preserving the outdoor heritage. Bass Pro Shops makes a cash contribution to the NYSOWA Scholarship Fund in the recipient's name.
Allen, the owner of the 1,000 Island Inn and 1,000 Island Fishing Charters in Clayton, has been responsible for getting hundreds of youngsters involved with fishing through the annual  Clayton Kids Fishing Contest and Take a Kid Fishing Program which have spanned 28 consecutive years. He is also a longtime NYSOWA member and currently on its Board of Directors.