BenFishing
Make a Difference Today
BenFishing wants to spread our message of hope and compassion. We believe that a single action can make a difference in the community, and that collective action can greatly impact the world. Through advocacy and outreach activities, our team works tirelessly each day to contribute their part to the greater good.
BenFishing at a Glance
A Distinct Identity
BenFishing knows that our strength lies not only in the words we stand by, but most importantly through the actions of our community.
Our mission at BenFishing.com is to raise awareness of mental illness, encourage sufferers to seek treatment, and to support the victims and their loved ones.
Our Nonprofit is achieving more with our initiatives than ever before. We work on many exciting projects to help improve the lives of others, and are very proud of the progress we continue to make. Learn more about what we do, who we help, and how we work every day to promote positive change.
How we got started
Ben’s Story
Benjamin Michael Thompson was born November 11, 1979 in Lansing, MI. Ben was surrounded by, and loved by his parents, brother and sister and their spouses, 5 nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and many close friends. Ben graduated from Mason High School and received his Bachelor’s Degree from Portland State University in Portland, OR. Ben was a unique and eclectic soul with many talents. He was an accomplished chef, could play a mean guitar, was a master gardener, and loved sports. Ben traveled the world with stops in Africa and Europe. While in Europe he spent a summer training under a renowned Italian chef. He loved to read, no subject in particular; his book shelf was as eclectic as his soul with books ranging from the Bible to bird dog training and almost anything in between. He was witty and enjoyed a good laugh, even at his own expense. Ben was spontaneous; making him so much fun to be around as you never knew what adventure might lie ahead. He was quick to lend a hand in his family and friends’ home improvement projects, and never missed a birthday party for his nieces and nephews. Ben was incredibly smart which made him interesting and an excellent conversationalist. He could carry on a discussion on any topic and was well informed due to his appetite for reading. Ben was handsome; tall and lean, with thick, jet black hair, dark brown eyes and an infectious smile. Ben had many hobbies and a deep passion for fishing. Ben’s life was full and satisfying through the eyes of most. But, through his own beautiful, dark brown eyes his life was hollow and hopeless. Although masterfully concealed behind sunglasses, a storm of pain and sadness brewed in those expressive eyes. The tranquility of the water and the joy of fishing offered him many, much needed glimpses of the sunshine in his life. Tragically, however, on the afternoon of January 6, 2016 Ben chose to permanently end the storm.