One of the greatest qualities of the fishing community is the way anglers band together to help each other, whether it’s conservation or management issues, or lending aid to a fellow fisherman in need.
In 2018, ZeeBaas, manufacturer of high-end, fully sealed, easily maintained spinning reels, created the “Dream Reel,” a custom ZeeBaas that was raffled off with the 100% proceeds going to help the Hanecak family of Connecticut with the medical bills incurred during young Owen’s fight against cancer.
That reel was won by Greg Leonard, an avid angler in Florida who, in his free time, took disabled children and veterans out on his pontoon boat to introduce them to fishing. Ron Poehailos, owner of ZeeBaas and 3-Tand personally delivered the reel to Greg, and the two stayed in touch in the months that followed. A year later, Greg called Ron to let him know that he no longer had the Dream Reel, he’d donated it to Toys4Tots, helping them raise thousands of dollars. In Ron’s words:
“Greg’s generosity not only struck me because he donated this valuable reel but also because he and his family donates a major amount of time and effort to help others each year while managing their own needs at home.”
In 2024, Ron was again searching for a family to benefit with a new Dream Reel project when he contacted Greg Leonard:
“I asked him how the decked out pontoon boat and the trips were going, and Greg responded; ‘I no longer have the boat — I donated it to a non-profit in New Port Richey that has a 501c called VetCatch, and the boat is being used more often to help others than I was able to on my limited free-time.’ As our conversation continued, Greg explained to me that every dollar he put into the boat for upgrades was given to him in donations for taking people out. Even though it was his time to upgrade the boat and take people out, he couldn’t take a dime for it.
“Greg’s son, David was born in 2004, and for the first few months, he seemed like any other baby — until his parents, Greg and Vera, noticed developmental delays. At just over a year old, he suffered his first grand mal seizure, marking the beginning of a long medical journey. After years of uncertainty and countless hospital visits, David was diagnosed with Lissencephaly, a rare neurological condition that affects brain development, causing severe physical and cognitive challenges. Most children with this condition don’t live past the age of 10, yet at 21, David continues to defy the odds with his unbreakable spirit.
Though David has endured over 30 surgeries and faces daily challenges, he remains a source of joy and inspiration. His family refuses to treat him as a disabled person—instead, they ensure he experiences as much of life as possible by fully including him in everything they do. Whether it’s boating, motorcycle rides, camping, or a trip to Disney World, David is never left behind. He loves the outdoors, watching movies on his tablet, and simply being with the people who love him. His infectious laughter and resilient heart remind us that strength isn’t measured in physical ability but in the love and joy we share.”
Greg’s generous spirit, and David’s resilience and joy inspired Ron to have the Leonard family receive the proceeds from The Dream Reel 2.0.
The new reel features a striking green and orange color pattern and a handmade custom box. The package is valued at $2,150, but you can have a chance to win the reel for every $10 you donate.
