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A Fishing Tournament That Became a Movement

April 22, 2026

Sixteen years ago, Sam Pearcy did what any wildland ﬁreﬁghter who loves to ﬁsh would do: he threw a ﬁshing tournament. He called it the Rip-N-Lips Invitational, and he never imagined it would be the ﬁrst step toward raising nearly three-quarters of a million dollars for the families of fallen and injured ﬁreﬁghters.

Today, Pearcy leads the Oregon Chapter of the Wildland Fireﬁghter Foundation — an organization built not in the aftermath of tragedy, but on a belief that generosity does not have to wait for one. That philosophy is captured in the motto that drives the chapter’s work: “Compassion Spreads Like Wildﬁre.”

“I started fundraising for the WFF 16 years ago with just hosting the ﬁrst annual Rip-N-Lips Invitational, because I love to ﬁsh,” said Pearcy, a longtime wildland ﬁreﬁghter. “We have made close to three-quarters of a million dollars for the WFF now. Most WFF fundraisers are created because of a fallen ﬁreﬁghter. We started ours because we believed in the WFF statement: Compassion Spreads Like Wildﬁre.”

This spring, the Oregon Chapter is hosting two events to build on that legacy. Last year’s Gala of Valor raised $135,000. This year, the goal is $150,000 — funds that go directly to ﬁreﬁghters and their families during times of injury, illness, or loss.

Hometown Country Throwdown — May 2
The Hometown Country Throwdown takes place on May 2, 2026, at Wild Ride Brewing in Prineville. It is a relaxed, family-friendly afternoon built around community and camaraderie.

• Cornhole tournament — sign-up begins at 12:00 p.m., games start at 1:00 p.m.
• Live music by Sleepless Truckers from 3:00–6:00 p.m.
• Raffle prizes, merchandise, and local food and beverages

All proceeds benefit the Wildland Firefighter Foundation.

Gala of Valor: A Night to Honor Our Firefighters — May 30
The Gala of Valor will be held on May 30, 2026, at the Indoor Arena at the Crook County Fairgrounds in Prineville. It is the Oregon Chapter’s signature fundraising event, bringing together community members, sponsors, and supporters for an evening dedicated to honoring those who protect Oregon’s forests and communities.

• Catered dinner and hosted beverages
• Guest speakers
• Live and silent auctions
• Raffle prizes, including a brand-new UTV
• Banquet-style games and entertainment

Sponsor tables open at 3:00 p.m.; general seating begins at 4:00 p.m. Tickets are available at www.oregonwff.org.
Why It Matters

Wildland firefighters are deployed each season to protect communities, natural resources, and public lands across Oregon and the nation — often in remote, dangerous conditions far from home. When something goes wrong, the Wildland Firefighter Foundation steps in with financial support, travel assistance, and a network of people who understand what firefighters and their families face.

EVENT DETAILS
Hometown Country Throwdown: May 2, 2026 | Wild Ride Brewing, Prineville | 12:00 p.m.
Gala of Valor: May 30, 2026 | Crook County Fairgrounds Indoor Arena, Prineville | Doors at 3:00 p.m.
Tickets & Info: www.oregonwff.org