About Us
After Nicholas passed away on May 15, 2021, his friends suggested putting a fishing tournament together to honor his spirit and share his love of fishing. With support from our family, friends, and community, we have established an annual fishing tournament in Nicholas’s name. Our goal is to share and spread the joy of fishing, bring healing to those who knew and loved Nicholas as well as others suffering from loss, and raise money for Sharing Kindness and the Mass Audubon Turtle Project. We know from experience that being on the water, immersed in nature, encourages healing. In 2023 we joined forces with the Cape Cod Foundation in creating a Scholarship in Nicholas' memory. The first four scholarships will be awarded in the Spring of 2024 to two seniors at Barnstable High School and 2 seniors at Mashpee Middle-High School.
Those who had the good fortune to know Nicholas know that he was funny, adventurous, determined, and loved the outdoors and animals. He especially loved turtles! As a young boy, his bed was piled high with stuffed animals, mostly turtles, and he had a special love for his pet tortoise, Grassy. He had a passion for turtles and wanted to save them from harm. He also loved fishing and swimming. Fishing on Garrett’s pond, swinging from the forbidden rope swing, or leaping from the bridge by Scorton Creek, brought him joy, happy memories, and fun.
Whether you are joining us to raise awareness about suicide and support Sharing Kindness, save the turtles, heal from loss, or because of a love of fishing, we hope you experience joy and laughter on the day of the tournament. If you find yourself in some of Nicholas’s favorite fishing spots or simply enjoying the gifts Mother Nature brings to us, we hope you feel his spirit and smile.
Our 2nd Annual Nick's Fishing Tourney raised over $23,000 to support Sharing Kindness, the Wellfleet Bay Sea Turtle Project, and the creation of the Nicholas J. Eastman Friendship Scholarship. Thank you to all our fishers, sponsors, and donors! Let's aim higher this year to increase our support for these organizations and help more students achieve their future plans!
Click here to see the WCVB High Five Story featuring Nicholas's friend Logan and his mom Erin.
Learn more about Sharing Kindness or the Wellfleet Bay Sea Turtle Project
The Nicholas James Eastman Memorial Fund is a donor-advised fund of The Cape Cod Foundation. As a component fund, The Cape Cod Foundation serves as the 501(c)(3) public charity for the Nicholas James Eastman Memorial Fund.