our story

every mission has a beginning.

ours began with a single offshore accident.

A fisherman suffered a devastating injury while working offshore. As friends and members of the community rallied around his family, one truth became impossible to ignore: there was no dedicated organization focused on helping injured offshore fishermen navigate the financial and emotional challenges that follow a life-changing accident.

Out of respect for everyone involved, we have chosen not to share their names or the details of what happened. Their privacy matters to us.

What matters even more is ensuring that no other fishing family has to face those challenges alone.

From that experience, Casting for Care was born.

our story

Anyone who has spent time offshore knows the ocean gives—and sometimes it takes.

For commercial fishermen, every trip to sea is more than a day's work. It's how they provide for their families. It's a way of life built on grit, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to the people beside them.

But offshore, everything can change in an instant.

A sudden wave. A mechanical failure. Heavy gear. One unexpected accident can leave a fisherman seriously injured, unable to work, and facing months of recovery. While medical bills pile up and paychecks stop, families are often left wondering how they'll make it through.

We saw a gap that too many people never think about.

When the headlines fade and the emergency is over, injured fishermen and their families are often left to navigate recovery alone. There is no organized community dedicated solely to helping them bridge that difficult period between injury and getting back on their feet.

That's why Casting for Care was created.

We believe that the fishing community is unlike any other. It's built on hard work, resilience, and looking out for one another. Our mission is to extend that same spirit of brotherhood and compassion beyond the dock.

Through financial assistance, community partnerships, and donor support, we help injured offshore fishermen focus on healing instead of worrying about how they'll pay their bills or provide for their families.

Every donation represents more than financial assistance.

It tells a fisherman recovering from a life-changing injury:

"You're not facing this alone."

Together, we're building a community where every fisherman knows that when tragedy strikes, someone is there to help them weather the storm.

why we exist

Every year, fishermen suffer serious offshore injuries that can leave them unable to work for weeks or months. Recovery doesn't just affect the injured individual—it impacts spouses, children, and entire families.

While insurance may cover some medical care, it rarely replaces lost income or eases the everyday financial burden that follows a catastrophic accident.

Casting for Care exists to fill that gap with compassion, financial support, and hope.

Board of directors

  • Jim Lucas

    CHAIRMAN

    Jim Lucas is a serial entrepreneur and competitive offshore angler with a proven track record of leadership, innovation, and results. His passion for business and the ocean drives everything he does—whether building successful companies or competing at the highest levels of offshore fishing.

    Founder Jim Lucas, a lifelong fisherman who’s fished waters around the world, created Casting for Care to support injured offshore fishermen and their families.

    Learn more on LinkedIn.

  • Sam Franzosa

    TREASURER

    Sam is an innovative sales leader with more than two decades of experience helping businesses grow through the power of data, technology, and trusted relationships. A graduate of Moravian University, Sam is also a dedicated youth soccer coach and an active supporter of initiatives that promote education, opportunity, and community connection. He believes deeply in giving back and empowering others to achieve their full potential—whether on the field, in business, or through service.

  • Courtney Nicholson

    BOARD MEMBER

    Courtney Nicholson brings more than two decades of leadership experience in operations, business development, and client relations to Casting for Care. With 23 years in the legal process outsourcing industry and a proven track record of building successful organizations and creating effective internal processes, Courtney provides strategic guidance that helps advance the foundation’s mission. Her commitment to service, community, and creating meaningful impact helps drive the organization’s continued growth and ability to make a difference in the lives of those facing unexpected challenges.

  • Captain Richie White

    BOARD MEMBER

    Master Offshore (200 Tons) | Marlin Specialist | Ocean Conservation Advocate

    With over 20 years in the sportfishing industry, Captain Richie is a 2025 Costa Offshore World Champion, former South Africa BassMaster, and long-time Team Luhrs South Africa member. His passion for the ocean extends beyond competition—he serves as an IGFA Central American Representative and actively supports marine research with the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation.

    From 2015 to 2024, he led operations as Fishing Director at Tropic Star Lodge, helping shape Panamanian ocean conservation laws and promoting sustainable offshore practices.

    Learn more FishingThePlanet.com

  • Captain Patrick McCafferty

    SECRETARY

    A seasoned professional charter captain and decorated tournament angler, Captain Patrick McCafferty is recognized for his expertise, passion, and leadership on the water. As a trusted Pro-Staff member for top industry brands, he continues to share his love of fishing with anglers from around the world.

    Follow his adventures on Instagram.

  • Captain Bo Johnson

    BOARD MEMBER

    With over 31 years of experience as a professional charter captain, Captain Bo is a decorated tournament angler, TV show talent, and respected figure in the sportfishing community. His passion for the ocean has earned him multiple magazine features and long-standing partnerships as a Pro-Staff member for leading industry brands.

    Beyond fishing, Captain Bo is dedicated to giving back—donating his time and expertise to numerous philanthropic causes that support marine conservation and coastal communities.

    Learn more at FishTenacity.com

  • Liz Parker

    GENERAL COUNSEL

    Elizabeth Parker is a former Assistant State Attorney for Palm Beach County with over a decade of prosecutorial experience handling serious felony and homicide cases. As Chair of the Victims’ Rights and Personal Injury Practice Groups at GFM, she advocates for victims of violent crime, domestic abuse, and wrongful death.

    A seasoned trial lawyer and educator, Elizabeth has trained prosecutors statewide, lectured for the Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association, and served on the Technical Advisory Committee for the Institute of Police Technology and Management. She has appeared as a legal analyst on Nancy Grace, Court TV, Dateline, 20/20, and USA Today.