Supporting Fishing For Life:
A Legacy of Connection and Community
At the Sabes Family Foundation, our mission to preserve legacy, cultivate community, and build for generations is deeply rooted in the values of family, tradition, and togetherness. These values have guided our family for decades, shaping not only our philanthropy but also the way we connect with one another. One cherished tradition in the Sabes family has been fishing – a timeless activity that brings people together, fosters meaningful relationships, and creates lasting memories.
It is with great pride that we announce our support for Fishing For Life, a Minnesota-based organization dedicated to connecting people through fishing and outdoor programs. As part of this commitment, the Sabes Family Foundation is donating a pontoon boat, originally purchased by our founder, Moe Sabes, to further Fishing For Life’s mission of building skills, relationships, and community.
A Family Tradition
For the Sabes family, being outdoors and fishing has always been more than a pastime – it’s a way to strengthen bonds and create shared experiences. My grandfather, Moe Sabes, was an avid fisherman who found joy in the quiet moments spent on the water, surrounded by family and friends. For three generations, Moe got us outside and fishing. Whether it was catching sunfish and bass at his beloved A-Frame cabin on Lake Minnetonka, walley and pike in the Northwest Territories, or king salmon in Alaska – Moe made sure we were together, laughing, story telling, and fishing. The pontoon boat he purchased became a vessel for connection for our family to gather on Lake Minnetonka for countless outings filled with smiles and laughter. These moments on the water were not just about fishing; they were about building relationships, fostering trust, and passing down traditions that shaped our family’s sense of unity.
Moe’s love for fishing was emblematic of his broader commitment to community and togetherness. Whether casting a line or sharing stories on the pontoon, he understood that these experiences created memories that endure for generations. By donating his pontoon to Fishing For Life, we honor his legacy and extend the spirit of those cherished moments to others in our community.
Fishing For Life: Building Skills, Relationships, and Community
Fishing For Life is a remarkable organization that uses fishing and outdoor activities to connect people, foster personal growth, and build vibrant communities. Through its eight core programs—ranging from youth camps and mentoring to military recreation and special events—Fishing For Life engages over 41,000 youth and adults, supported by 1,125 volunteers who contribute more than 9,400 hours annually. Their work creates opportunities for individuals to develop life skills, forge meaningful relationships, and find a sense of belonging in the outdoors.
The donation of Moe’s pontoon boat will enhance Fishing For Life’s ability to deliver impactful programs locally on Lake Minnetonka. The pontoon will provide a platform for group outings, enabling participants to experience the joy of fishing in a communal setting. Whether it’s a youth camp teaching patience and perseverance or a military recreation event fostering camaraderie, the pontoon will help create transformative experiences that align with the Sabes Family Foundation’s mission to cultivate community and build for generations.
The Power of Fishing to Transform Lives
Fishing is a universal language that transcends age, background, and experience. It teaches patience, resilience, and respect for nature while creating opportunities for connection. For many, a day on the water is a chance to step away from daily stresses, build confidence, and form bonds with others. Fishing For Life harnesses these qualities to empower participants, particularly youth and underserved communities, to develop lifelong skills and relationships.
The Sabes Family Foundation believes that small, meaningful actions—like a fishing trip—can have profound downstream effects. Just as our support for Ujamaa Place empowers men through wellness and coaching, and our contributions to the Sabes JCC and Adath Jeshurun foster community vitality, our partnership with Fishing For Life reflects our commitment to creating opportunities for growth and connection. By providing the pontoon, we are investing in experiences that help individuals build resilience, strengthen relationships, and discover the joy of community.
Honoring Moe Sabes’ Legacy
The donation of Moe’s pontoon is deeply personal for our family. It represents not only his love for fishing but also his vision for a world where people come together to support one another. Moe and Esther Sabes built the Sabes Family Foundation on the principles of continuity, care, and community—values that continue to guide our work today. By supporting Fishing For Life, we are extending Moe’s legacy of generosity and connection, ensuring that his pontoon continues to bring people together for years to come.
A Call to Action
The Sabes Family Foundation is honored to partner with Fishing For Life and invites others to join us in supporting their transformative mission. Whether through volunteering, donating, or participating in their programs, you can help amplify the impact of fishing and outdoor activities in our community. To learn more about Fishing For Life and how you can get involved, visit fishingforlife.org.
Together, we can cultivate a future where relationships are strengthened, skills are developed, and communities thrive—on the water and beyond. The Sabes Family Foundation remains committed to preserving legacy, cultivating community, and building for generations. Let’s cast a line and create something enduring together.
The Sabes Family Foundation: Preserving Legacy. Cultivating Community. Building for Generations.