Help Chris Edwards Take Kids Fishing

"Do yourself a favor, take a kid fishing!"

Those were the iconic words Franc White lived by, inspiring families across America to connect with nature. As the beloved host of The Southern Sportsman, Franc didn’t just teach us how to fish or hunt—he showed us how to bond over the great outdoors, sharing meals, adventures, and unforgettable memories. His spirit continues to live on in people like Chris Edwards, who’s been carrying this torch forward for the last 17 years with his nonprofit, The Northern Sportsman.

Chris Edwards, a North Carolina native, has spent his life serving others. For 35 years, he was a dedicated fireman, helping those in need and saving lives. When he wasn’t at the fire station, Chris was out in nature—fishing, exploring, and teaching kids about the outdoors, much like his childhood hero, Franc White. The values that Franc embodied—self-reliance, community, and respect for nature—are the same values that Chris has shared through his nonprofit. His mission is to ensure that every child has the chance to experience the joys of the outdoors, just like he did.

Now, Chris is taking his passion to the next level by embarking on an ambitious project that not only preserves Franc’s legacy but also expands his own work with The Northern Sportsman. For years, it was believed that Franc White’s tapes were lost forever, destroyed in an airplane hangar accident. But miraculously, some tapes survived, and this is our chance to bring them back to life. This is more than just a restoration—it's an opportunity to reconnect with a beloved piece of history.

Here’s where you come in. Your support will help us fund the following key areas:

1. Restoration of The Southern Sportsman Episodes:

These precious tapes have been sitting for years, and time hasn’t been kind to them. The digital remastering process will cost upwards of $1,000 per tape, and with each one, we only have a 50-50 chance of success. But the reward is immeasurable—the chance to revive these lost episodes and share Franc’s adventures with new generations.

2. Franc White’s Zebra Stripe Canoe:

Franc’s zebra-striped canoe is iconic, and we’re dedicated to restoring it so it can once again glide across rivers and lakes, introducing kids to the same waters Franc loved.

3. Franc White’s Fishing Boat:

Franc’s trusty fishing boat also needs repairs. With your help, we’ll get it back in shape, ready to give kids their first fishing experience aboard this historic vessel.

4. Franc White’s DeLorean:

Yes, Franc White’s DeLorean is still in existence! It’s a one-of-a-kind piece of memorabilia, and we’re committed to restoring it so that it remains a tangible connection to Franc’s adventurous spirit.

5. Franc White’s Cookbooks:

Franc’s original cookbooks are a treasure trove of outdoor-inspired recipes. We have the original copies and are working on republishing them, giving outdoor enthusiasts and collectors alike the chance to cook just like The Southern Sportsman.

6. Outdoor Events & Activities for Kids:

Chris has been organizing fishing trips, outdoor excursions, and educational events for years. Your donations will help fund even more of these life-changing experiences, giving kids the opportunity to explore, learn, and fall in love with nature.

7. Marketing & Promotion:

To grow this movement and reach more families, we’ll need help spreading the word. From promotional materials to community outreach, your support will help us make sure that no one misses out on what we’re doing.

8. Legal & Administrative Costs:

Every large project comes with its fair share of legal and administrative work—permits, liability insurance, and more. Your contributions will help ensure that everything is in place to keep these programs running smoothly.

9. Filming The Northern Sportsman:

We’re excited to film a new spin-off show called The Northern Sportsman, blending the spirit of Franc White’s legacy with new concepts for today’s generation. Here's a breakdown of what it will take:

▪ Hiring a professional film crew

▪ Securing music and soundtrack rights

▪ Editing and post-production

▪ Travel expenses to film on location

▪ Liability insurance for participants

▪ Gear and equipment for both the crew and kids

This project is more than just about preserving the past—it’s about building a future where kids can continue to experience the magic of the outdoors. Every donation brings us one step closer to that goal. Whether it’s restoring a boat, saving a beloved TV show, or helping a child catch their first fish, your contribution matters.

Now is the moment to step up and make a difference. Your support can ignite a lifelong love for the outdoors, inspire a new generation of explorers, and ensure that this legacy lives on!

The Northern Sportsman website: https://thenorthernsportsman.com/

Franc White website: https://francwhite.com/

Video produced by: https://www.morningview.media/