Greater Niagara Fishing Expo launches 'Fishing Fights Pediatric Cancer' campaign to support Catching Dreams Charters

Event takes place Feb. 19-22 at the Niagara Falls Convention Center

Destination Niagara USA Press Release & Photo

The Greater Niagara Fishing Expo, returning to the Niagara Falls Convention Center from Feb. 19-22, is proud to announce a meaningful partnership with Catching Dreams Charters, a nonprofit organization dedicated to giving children battling pediatric cancer, and their families, the opportunity to escape the challenges of treatment and enjoy a therapeutic day on the water.

Through the “Fishing Fights Pediatric Cancer” fundraising campaign, Greater Niagara Fishing Expo attendees, vendors and participants will have the opportunity to support this life-changing cause. Funds will be raised through vendor raffles, raffles held during educational classes, and direct donations throughout the four-day event. Every dollar raised will go directly toward providing cost-free charter fishing experiences for families affected by pediatric cancer.

“One hundred percent of donations go back into the organization to get kids out on the water. Our hope is to fund more than 50 charter trips through the Greater Niagara Fishing Expo alone this year,” said Ned Librock, founder of Catching Dreams Charters.

Since its inception, Catching Dreams Charters has grown from just three families participating in its first year to connecting with more than 125 families in 2025.

Working closely with hospitals in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Albany – and with plans to expand to Long Island – the organization continues to make a profound difference for children and families across New York.

Librock, an avid lifelong angler, founded Catching Dreams Charters after retiring and earning his captain’s license. Motivated by a desire to make a difference, he partnered with the Courage of Carly Fund at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center to bring his idea to life. The result has been hundreds of children and families finding peace, joy and healing through time spent on the water.

Frank Campbell, director of outdoor promotions at Destination Niagara USA and coordinator of the Greater Niagara Fishing Expo, has seen the impact firsthand.

“Personally, seeing the positive effect that a day on the water has on young people battling pediatric cancer makes supporting Catching Dreams Charters a passion of mine,” Campbell said. “Now, the Greater Niagara Fishing Expo has joined in their fight. The expo offers a perfect platform to educate the fishing community on the therapeutic benefits of fishing and to raise much-needed funds to support this incredible organization.”

The Greater Niagara Fishing Expo, often referred to as the “Teaching Fishing Show,” brings together anglers, educators and industry professionals from across the region for four days of learning, networking and community engagement. This year’s partnership adds an inspiring new dimension, uniting the fishing community around a cause that truly makes a difference.

To learn more about Catching Dreams Charters or to make a contribution, visit www.catchingdreamscharters.org.

For more information about the Greater Niagara Fishing Expo, including schedules and ticket purchases, visit www.niagarafishingexpo.com.

The mission of Destination Niagara USA is to expand the economic prosperity of the Niagara Falls USA communities by generating individual and group visitation. For more information, visit www.niagarafallsusa.com.