BRACEVILLE, Ill. (March 11, 2009) - For the eighth consecutive year, Braidwood Generating Station will host Exelon Nuclear’s “Fishing for a Cure.” Anglers are invited to cast a line for charity in the team bass tournament on Saturday, May 30 at Braidwood Lake in Braceville, Ill.

The station is putting up $10,000 in cash prizes for competing fishermen. The first place team will reel in an impressive $4,000, with second and third place netting $2,500 and $1,000 respectively. The fourth, fifth and sixth place finishers will win $500 and teams finishing seventh through tenth will win $250.

This year’s tournament proceeds will benefit Autism Speaks, whose goal is to change the future for all who struggle with autism. Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that impairs a person's ability to communicate and relate to others and typically lasts throughout a person's lifetime. Today, one in 150 children are diagnosed with autism. Autism Speaks raises money to fund new research to uncover the cause, help with prevention and treatments, and find a cure for autism.

“This event continues to grow in popularity each year,” said Braidwood Station Site Vice President Bryan Hanson. “Our employees enjoy the opportunity to meet anglers from all over the area. And we are glad that a worthy cause is the beneficiary of a day filled with fun, camaraderie and competitive fishing. Autism Speaks is a terrific organization and we look forward to doing all that we can to further their wonderful cause.”

The tournament will commence from Braidwood Lake’s Kankakee Road (South) Ramp. The entry fee is $100 per team with all proceeds, including 100 percent of all tournament entry fees, going to Autism Speaks.

"On behalf of the many children with autism who are unable to communicate and express their gratitude, I would like to thank the employees of Exelon Nuclear and Braidwood Station for your fundraising efforts to help us find a cause and cure for autism,” said Susan Tybon, executive director of the Chicagoland chapter of Autism Speaks. “Your investment in our work is much appreciated.”

Rules and entry forms are available on the Internet at www.exeloncorp.com/programs/fishing.
Also on May 30 a children’s tournament will again be held at the Godley Park District pond from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. The entry fee is $5 per child.

To receive an entry form by mail or for more information, contact Braidwood Generating Station Communications Manager Paul Dempsey via e-mail at paul.dempsey@exeloncorp.com or by telephone at (815) 417-3184.