When he was 8 years old, Case Baccio had an inspired idea. Then, he brought that idea to life, committed to it and followed through with it.

Now, six years later, Clear Water for Heroes is still going strong.

"I guess my motivation would be something between gratitude and joy," said Case, an eighth-grade student at Manheim Township Middle School (MTMS). "My goal isn't to raise a large amount of money. My goal is for everyone to have a blast, for everyone to have a great time. I think part of it is the impact that the first veterans' event I went to had on me. I don't think I'll ever be able to forget it. It's the reason I started this thing. There are people doing things today because these (veterans) help keep us safe."

With the assistance of family and friends, Case is staging this year's Clear Water for Heroes fishing tournament on Saturday, May 3, at J. Edward Mack Scout Reservation, 2 Scout Lane, Newmanstown, in Elizabeth Township. The fundraising event for veterans and veterans' organizations will be conducted between 8 a.m. and noon, followed by a complimentary lunch.

Participants and supporters can preregister by emailing clearwaterforheroes@gmail.com or by searching for "6th Annual Clear Water for Heroes" at Eventbrite.com. Same-day registration for the event will begin at 7 a.m.

"I believe anybody can be a hero," said Case. "The way I look at it, if you do something kind, I would classify you as a hero. It means giving something to benefit others."

"We just want to say thank you," said Ali Bucher, Case's mom. "We've been around this veteran community, and we want to give back to people who have done so much for this nation. This is such a small thing, but it's made an impact on a lot of people."

The Clear Water for Heroes fishing tournament will offer prizes to the top three adult finishers and top three kid finishers determined by the aggregate weight of the three biggest fish caught.

"My favorite part is seeing adults stepping in and helping kids fish," said Case. "We had one veteran who was helping a group of four or five kids who never fished before. He was there the entire time helping kids, and when they caught one, their faces just lit up."

"I also love the connections we've made," he added. "We've become friends with a whole bunch of people."

"It's a family event," said Bucher. "My favorite part is the people and seeing the smiles on faces. There are people who have followed Case from year one and have come to every event."

More than 50 fishermen, outdoorsmen and former servicemen from veterans' groups and VFWs from across Lancaster County are expected to participate. Case is hoping to raise more than $10,000 through Clear Water for Heroes, and the proceeds will go to benefit local and national veterans' organizations.

Case has acquired event sponsorships from 15 local and national businesses.

"I try to put as much time and effort into this event as I do with sports," said Case, who competes in football, wrestling and track and field at MTMS. "We've seen it change people's lives for the better. I'd say (the participants are) family. They're making that commitment to get up early and help people who have made sacrifices that no one can imagine."

It was a trip to Ohio for a Warrior Weekend to Remember that provided Case's initial inspiration for Clear Water for Heroes. Over the first five years, Case's event has raised more than $50,000 for veterans, their families and veterans' causes.

"The amount of support we get is through the roof," said Case. "We've crushed our financial goals the last few years. When I first started, I was shy to go up to people, but the connections we've made have gone through the roof. Now I go up to people and say, 'Thank you for your service,' and we've seen veterans cry."

"He is just a kind soul who wants to give back to people," said Bucher of her son. "He is just an incredible human being. ... He does this because he cares. He's motivated. It's all him. He does it all. We need more human beings like him."

For additional information, search for "Clear Water for Heroes" on Facebook.