2021 #WhoYouWhit Benefit and Redfish Tourney

Elisabeth, Claire and Carter Nelson
and Whit Nelson poster.

The inaugural #WhoYouWhit Benefit redfish tourney at Edisto raises awareness about mental health after the death by suicide of 18-year old Whit Nelson. They had 48 boats registered to fish, and Team Yank 'N' Crank took first place with a two-redfish aggregate weight of 8.70-pounds. Anglers Johnny Sanders, Cal Young and Madison Utsey split the top cash prize of $1300. Sanders knew Whit and worked with him at Pressley's Restaurant and shared that Whit loved to ride his moped with the muffler rigged LOUD. Sanders was just one of the Edisto crowd that came out to support Whit's Family and to honor Whit's passion for saltwater fishing.

Team Yank'N'Crank with Winning Fish
Cal Young, Madison Utsey, Johnny Sanders

The #WhoYouWhit Benefit had 70 sponsors, and funds will benefit two charities; Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing and The National Institute of Mental Health. All 300 event T-shirts cold out, and a large raffle sold out as well, and the event raised $48,000 according to organizer Edisto resident Sandy Hanks. Sandy shares that her daughter Nicole worked at Pressley’s with Whit, and that he was often at their home to visit. “This tragedy shows that people struggle in different ways, and that everyone needs a friend to talk to,” said Hanks. “Nicole and Lindsey Morrill thought up the idea to create this benefit.” 

Silent Auction at Edisto Marina

Elisabeth and Carter Nelson lived on Scott Creek on Edisto Island for two years and their son Whit was a regular fixture and well-known good guy at Edisto Beach. Elisabeth shares that Whit was known for wearing his boots and mentioned them in his suicide note saying "I have left a few things behind including my boots, for my footsteps that only I know." Elisabeth shares that her family never saw suicide as a part of Whit's path. Their message to people is that it's OK to hurt and to not to feel right, but don't hide it from friends and family, because there is help out there! 

To view past blog entries from Edisto in 2021 click on Edisto Water Sports Redfish Tourney - Edisto Beach Sweep - Manatee Sightings- Edisto River Sweep - CCA Barge Sunk off Edisto - Belles Beach Walk - Vacasa Purchases Atwood-  Gullah Blessing for Hutchinson House - Town Budget - Town Turtle Patrol - Edisto Billfish Tourney 

#WhoYouWhit Benefit Supporters