JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Oct. 21, 2011) - More than $110,000 was raised during Monique Burr Foundation for Children, Inc.'s 23rd annual El Pescado Billfish Tournament, presented by Your Jacksonville Area Lexus Dealers, Oct. 13-15 at Camachee Cove in St. Augustine, Fla. More than 450 people attended the event and 94 billfish were caught and released, with nearly $130,000 awarded in cash prizes. In conjunction with the tournament, the Fish-N-Chips Marina Casino event was held on Saturday evening and featured casino-style games as well as unique shopping opportunities at the "Ladies' Tackle Box." Proceeds from the event contribute to the foundation's continuing mission to give hope in the life of a child and educate Florida's teachers, students and parents on safety from all forms of child abuse, bullying and digital abuse.

"We are thrilled to announce the success of our 23rd annual El Pescado Billfish Tournament and are grateful for all of the sponsors, participants, volunteers and friends who continue to support the Monique Burr Foundation," said Ed Burr, who founded the organization in honor of his late wife, a passionate and tireless advocate for abused and abandoned children. "In particular, we would like to thank our title sponsor, Your Jacksonville Area Lexus Dealers, and the many volunteers from the Sigma Chi fraternity at the University of North Florida."

In the Standard Division, the J Hook, owned by Ed Jillson took first place. Second place was awarded to Wallis Higginbotham and Grand Slam, a 54-foot Spencer Yacht. Michael Cioffi and Playtime came in third place. In the 40-foot and Under Division, first place went to Dennis Rosa and Menace, a 36-foot Yellowfin Yacht. Pez Vela, owned by Charles Erickson, took second place, followed by Bill Baker on Miss Lilla for third place. Neil Subin from the Outlaw was presented with the prestigious Chester H. Wolfe Sportsmanship Award, which is awarded based upon an act that demonstrates fair play, graciousness, respect, and/or ethical behavior displayed while fishing in the tournament.

"I would like to congratulate all of our participants for their outstanding sportsmanship and involvement in this year's tournament," said Dennis Rosa, tournament chair. "More than $500,000 has been raised to prevent child abuse since the Monique Burr Foundation for Children began managing the tournament. I am honored to be a part of the success of this event and look forward to continuing the tradition with next year's El Pescado Billfish Tournament."

The Monique Burr Foundation recently launched the Speak Up Be Safe Florida blog, which provides timely and relevant information regarding the foundation, its programs and general child safety news and information. For more information about the Monique Burr Foundation, visit www.moniqueburrfoundation.org. Information is also available on Facebook.com by searching for the Monique Burr Foundation for Children, Inc. and on Twitter.com @MBFjax.

About the Monique Burr Foundation for Children

The Monique Burr Foundation for Children, Inc. is a nonprofit organization created in 1997 with a mission to give hope in the life of a child by providing child abuse prevention education throughout the state of Florida. Since its inception, the foundation has contributed more than $2 million to child-serving agencies in the region.

In 2010, the foundation reached more than 19,000 children in Northeast Florida and the Tampa Bay area with Speak Up Be SafeTM, a child abuse prevention education program that addresses safety from all forms of child abuse, bullying and internet dangers, as well as including tools for parents and school personnel. The program is in the process of expanding state-wide as a collaborative effort with the Office of the Governor of the State of Florida, the State Department of Education, the State Department of Health, the Florida Department of Children, Families and Ounce of Prevention and other sponsors and partners.

For more information about the Monique Burr Foundation for Children, call (904) 642-0210 or visit www.moniqueburrfoundation.org.