"One Day Can Change A Life"
Notes from C.A.S.T.
Jim Owens, Executive Director

The first CAST for Kids event of any kind in Canada was held on July 12th on Lake Simcoe in Ontario.  It was put on by the International Union of Elevator Constructors out of Toronto and hosted by the city of Orillia.

 

The tournament was the brainchild of Daryl Ashby, bass fisherman and employee of IUEC. Daryl wanted to reach out and support a children's charity and when he found CAST's website, he knew he had the right one. Daryl called the CAST office and after we had lengthy discussion Daryl started the ball rolling.  After eight months and a lot of hard work, time and effort by Daryl, the event became a reality.

 

The tournament itself could not have been on a more beautiful day or in a more ideal setting. Temperatures were in the 70's, it was a little cloudy, and there was a slight breeze; in other words, great fishing weather.  The tournament location at Orillia's waterfront park was perfect.  

 

The weigh-in took place right next to the park's busy boardwalk. Dozens of people stopped to watch the fish being weighed and cheered as the anglers showed off their catches.  And cheer they should have! Read why they were cheering

 

First IUEC Event, Lake Simcoe
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CATCH A SPECIAL THRILL Newsletter
August 2014

Welcome to the "Dog Days of Summer!" 

There are so many fun events happening around the country with C.A.S.T. for Kids, it is hard to mention just one....so we won't! From Prineville, Oregon on the west coast to Leesylvania Park, Virginia on the east coast, volunteers are working hard to bring happy smiles to kids faces all summer long and to make sure that they catch their first fish, like this little guy pictured below!
Photo courtesy of Kelley Balcomb-Bartok, City of Renton, Wash.

In the middle of the country volunteers are also working hard at events in Missouri, New Mexico, Idaho, South Dakota, and many other states. Some events are boating events, on large lakes and small, on ponds or at reservoirs, but the common factor is happy kids fishing, many for the first time!

We see a true "snapshot of America" when we receive pictures of events at the home office. Please keep sending your images to us and check back frequently on our FlickR site

And now, we are pleased that we have branched out into Canada, as our Executive Director, Jim Owens explains in this newsletter. 

Welcome neighbors to the north! We look forward to a long and happy partnership!
Sheri Harral
Sheri Harral welcomes everyone to Shasta Lake
Coordinator Spotlight: Sheri Harral

Sheri Harral has been with C.A.S.T. for Kids since her first event at Shasta Lake in June of 2000.

 

"I had absolutely no idea what I was doing, " Harral said. "I was not sure where to get the kids or the boats from, for that matter. I was asked by my boss...at the last minute if I would be willing to coordinate the first Shasta Lake event. Of course I said yes - it's for the kids. How could I say no?" While she admits that first year was very intimidating, she jumped in with great enthusiasm.

 

"Every year just get better," she said of the event, which is now in its fifteenth year.

 

When asked what she likes best about CAST, Harral was quick to say, "We sponsor many children who are homeless. It really brings joy to me to be a part of this event that provides children with a day of camaraderie, good food and the experience of fishing on beautiful Shasta Lake. It is important to educate not only the kids but their parents about our precious Public Lands and everything they have to offer. Who knows how many children's lives will be changed because this opportunity was provided to them. These children are our future."

 

Sheri's official job is as Public Affairs Specialist at Shasta Dam. "I have been here at Shasta Dam 22 years and been a part of some really amazing projects and events. I can say this is by far the very best part of my job. The joy it brings (I believe to everyone) is priceless! "

 

When asked to share a favorite story in her years with C.A.S.T. for Kids she shared this story:

 

"I am probably telling on myself, but after the boats had returned from an awesome morning of fishing, lunch was getting ready to be served. Everyone was telling each other about their adventure catching "The Big One" and of course the one that got away. As the lunch line was quickly growing a concerned mother came up to me and said she couldn't find her son. She said he had returned with her to the lunch area so we knew he was close by. Mom had got distracted for a minute talking and her son tends to wander." Read the happy ending to this story.

Update on #CatchandGive Program

We launched our #Catch and Give Program with professional Bass Angler
Justin Lucas shows off his catch
Justin Lucas in early July, and while it is getting a slow start, participation is starting to grow! #CatchandGive is a fun competition where you can compare your catch with others, donate to C.A.S.T. and win prizes. 

Check out a few of the first photos of those participating, including Justin Lucas. If you would like to join in on the fun, find more information here


Marv Walker, our first raffle prize winner, shows off his catch from Lake Oahe in South Dakota.
Jeff Kelly, Tyler Kelly, and Marv Walker
Lake Washington 2013
photo courtesy, Gary Palmer
Calling all boaters!

We are nearing our events in September at Coulon Park in Renton and we hope to see you there!


 
On September 6, we will hold our 23rd annual C.A.S.T. for Kids event in Renton. Registration has been full for this event for weeks and we want to make sure each kid gets out on the water. Boat captains, please consider adding this rewarding event to your fishing calendar. You can register here.


The 2nd Annual Take A Warrior Fishing event, which will be held on September 20 at Lake Washington will be its biggest yet. We are looking to take as many warriors and their families as we can - but that is only possible with your help! Boat captains, please consider adding this rewarding event to your fishing calendar and give back to those who have given so much for us. You can register here.

 

C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation | [email protected] | http://www.castforkids.org
297 SW 41st St.
Renton, WA 98057


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