By: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
At its April meeting in Fort Lauderdale, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) honored six Boca Raton teens who, through their organization Fillet for Friends, have donated more than 800 pounds of fresh fish fillets to organizations that feed those in need.
Harrison Konsker and Maccabee Herman started the 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2014, when the young anglers were in eighth grade.
“We were simply catching too many fish. We knew we could do something with the excess fish to benefit the community,” said Konsker.
Harrison, Maccabee and their fellow volunteers catch, fillet, package and deliver the fish to local nonprofits like Boca Helping Hands, a nonprofit that provides food and other assistance to those in need. According to Boca Helping Hands, Fillet for Friends has helped feed more than 4,500 people in need. They also encourage other anglers to practice eco-conscious fishing techniques and donate their catch to people in need.
Fillet for Friends members Ben Mores, Max Feldman, Colin Riley and Emily Elhilow were also honored at the April Commission meeting. All were presented with certificates of appreciation from the FWC for their hard work and dedication.
“The out-of-the-box thinking and ingenuity of this project is a great example of what youth who grow up participating in outdoor sports and conservation activities can accomplish,” said Vice Chairman Robert Spottswood. “It’s really inspirational for us. We also want to extend our thanks to Capt. Bill Kelly of the Florida Keys Commercial Fishermen’s Association for championing the efforts of this group.”
"I was overwhelmed at the concept of Fillet for Friends and even more so to learn that it was born in the minds of several young men so willing to help others," said Kelly. “It’s absolutely amazing what these young men and women organized in such short order.”
