Foundation Notes: Volunteering - A Lifetime Love

 

A young, blonde girl in pigtails stands holding Polaroid pictures, one in each hand, waiting patiently for them to develop before handing them to her mom, and doing it again, and again, until all the photos are taken and the last boat is out on the water.

Fast forward 23 years and you see that same girl - grown up and without pigtails - still at that same C.A.S.T. for Kids event with a bit bigger job. That girl is me, Jessica Kelly, and I was taught at a young age the power to volunteering.

 

I learned that giving of myself, my time and energy, to make happy days for others - is so rewarding that I seek it out over and over.

Today, my role with the C.A.S.T. Foundation has grown from an event volunteer to a part time employee at the national headquarters in my hometown, helping to coordinate many local events, manage the retail inventory, the website, and assist in various ways with events throughout the nation. 

 

I enjoy being able to see the passion the event coordinators and volunteers show at all our events (as I read and upload all their reports and photos onto our C.A.S.T. website).

Now I also have the opportunity to pay it forward by teaching my 5-year-old son the value of volunteering. His favorite job is handing out the tubs of worms to each boater before they launch to go fishing. Some lessons are tougher as he learns to share his Papa, a boat captain, with another kid for a day - as they get to go fishing or ride in a boat for the first time!

 

I challenge you to find a way to incorporate volunteering into your life and see first-hand the many rewards you gain. Of course, I'd love to see you at one of our C.A.S.T. events or in the photos helping a child catch their first fish!

Stay Connected

Greetings!

We are proud to announce a new program within the foundation, #CatchandGive, and a partnership with professional bass angler, Justin Lucas. The program, which was Lucas' brainchild is designed to challenge fishermen and women to engage in a friendly competition by comparing their "catch" with others (and the opportunity to win a prize), and at the same time give back to an organization that provides the thrill of fishing with others that might otherwise not have the opportunity to fish. Justin pledges to donate dollars to the foundation for every 5 pound fish he catches, and encourages you to join us. Read below and watch Justin's video on how you can join in on the fun, and share the joy of fishing with others!

Sarah Percival has been associated with the C.A.S.T. for Kids foundation since 2007, when she helped Ken Benson, the former park manager at Leesylvania State Park run an event. She has been coordinating the event since she took over as the Chief Ranger at the park.

 

Percival says that she most enjoys C.A.S.T. because of "the smiles and the hugs I get from the kids," as well as "seeing happy parents!"  She also likes that the siblings get to join in.  "I like that the whole family is engaged and no one is left out."  And last but certainly not least, she says, "is the accomplishment from my volunteers whether it is one of the bass fishermen enjoying the day with the family or the volunteer on shore getting food ready, providing crafts for the kids, getting plaques ready -- everyone is just happy."

 

When asked to share a favorite story from her years with C.A.S.T. for Kids, Percival said, Read the rest of the story

We love to hear your stories! If you have a favorite one to share, won't you please share with us? We would love to feature it in an upcoming newsletter. Just drop us a line! And, if you have a picture to accompany your story--even better!