This summer alone, over 1,000 kids came through Camp Dallas for time outdoors that built their confidence and strengthened relationships. That is the number we care about most, and it would not be possible without every single person who gave their time, their skill, or their support this weekend.

For 24 straight hours, Jeff "Kolo" Kolodzinski fished through conditions nobody could have planned for. He set out to catch 2,500 fish in honor of America's 250th birthday, and he landed 1,981 of them - through a heat index of 108 degrees that shut down local football and softball games, and an algae bloom that cut visibility in the pond to less than two feet.

"Not exactly ideal conditions," Kolo said afterward, in the kind of understatement only someone with twenty years on that dock can pull off.

We don't see 1,981 fish under those conditions as falling short of a number. We see it as one more example of what Kolo has given this camp for two decades running, and we could not be more thankful for it.

Thank You to Everyone Who Made the Weekend Possible

A weekend like this doesn't happen because of one person on a dock - it happens because of months of planning and a community that shows up. Camp Dallas wants to thank:

• The volunteers who staffed the event, planned logistics, and kept 24 hours running smoothly, including junior anglers Wyatt and Lachlyn, who spent time on the dock with Kolo through the night sharing what this camp has meant to them

• Our co-founders, Dwayne and Patty Atherton, whose vision built Camp Dallas and whose presence anchored the weekend's celebration

• The fishing legends - Hank Parker, Kevin VanDam, Al Lindner, and Mark Zona - who phoned in encouragement through the overnight hours to help carry Kolo through the dark

• Special thanks to Dan O'Sullivan for opening the weekend with an invocation; "Pops" Belamy, honored this year with the first-ever "First Fish" tradition and now the namesake of our 50-by-25-foot fully accessible floating dock; and SFC Greg Stube, U.S. Army Special Forces (Ret.), who received the inaugural First Fish honor on behalf of the military and first-responder community this event serves

• U.S. Congressman Darin LaHood, who toured Camp Dallas during the event and saw firsthand how families and kids in his district are served here

• Every sponsor who made the weekend possible: AFTCO, DAIWA, EGO Fishing, Engel Coolers, Gemini G2, Humminbird, Lew's, Minn Kota, Mr. Crappie, Norsk Lithium Batteries, Plano, Rapala/VMC, Seaguar, Strike King, Vados Bait, and Zebco

• The bands and musicians, the restaurants, cooks and servers, and organizers behind the it all and 20-plus-minute fireworks display that brought our community together

• And every parent, child and volunteer who shared how this camp has changed their family, and every neighbor who came out to be part of it

Thank You, Kolo

Camp Dallas exists because people like Jeff Kolodzinski decide, year after year, that our kids are worth 24 hours of triple-digit heat on a dock. Marathon Man is the longest-running endurance fishing fundraiser in the country, and for the past two years it has partnered specifically with Camp Dallas. That partnership has meant everything to us.

"When you see the kids, talk with the parents, and understand the good that Camp Dallas is doing in this community, the fish count becomes secondary," Kolo said. "There's too much good happening here not to keep leaning into it. If fishing can help these kids build confidence, strengthen families, and create experiences they'll carry through life, then I'm going to keep fishing."

We're just glad he does.

Live Painting Up for Bidding

Megan Couri Painted Live!

The weekend also featured a live painting performance by artist Megan Couri, created in real time during the Marathon Man event and reflecting the Statue of Liberty in honor of America's 250th birthday. That piece is now open for bidding - scan the QR code to be taken directly to the live bidding, or check out our website or Facebook page for more details on how to place your bid.

🎣 Marathon Man Swag — Last Call 🎣

You can still order your Marathon Man 2026 gear through September 30 — a t-shirt, long sleeve, or hoodie to hold onto the memory of Kolo's marathon and this year's 20th anniversary.

Every order helps Camp Dallas keep welcoming kids to these lakes for years to come. Thank you for being part of it. 💙

👉 Order by September 30

About Jeff Kolodzinski ‘Kolo’

Known nationwide as the Marathon Man, Jeff Kolodzinski has spent nearly 20 years using marathon fishing events to inspire anglers and support charitable causes. He's dedicated his post-competition career to giving back through fishing, conservation, education, and community service.

CONTACT:

Cassi Ardis, Director of Operations at Camp Dallas cassi@campdallas.org