Note from C.A.S.T.

Executive Director, Jim Owens

Long Day.  Long week.  Long year.   Whatever it is we all have them.  

 

We all get beat down to one extent or another.  It could be pressure from our jobs, being overwhelmed by family obligations, money matters, or a dozen other things.  Some things are within our control, some aren't.  Some things are caused by others, some by ourselves.  

 

We all go through this from time to time. What I am saying is that, in one way or another, hard times are normal and a part of life.  Most of us get past these tough times, either by ourselves or with the help of family or friends, or sometimes with professional help.   The remedies may vary, but one thing that they all have in common is "HOPE". 

 

They give us HOPE that our tomorrows will be better.  And that is a wonderful and very powerful thing.

 

Through our C.A.S.T. for Kids and Take A Warrior Fishing programs, I truly believe that we are giving, at least in some small way, a measure of HOPE to all our participants and their families. A couple of examples:

 

1.       Jonathan was terminally ill and almost blind.  He went out fishing in the morning, caught several fish, and even got to "drive" the boat.  While sitting with his Grandfather at the awards ceremony waiting for his name to be called to receive his special plaque he said, "Grandpa, I can't die yet, I have to come back next year."  Jonathan came back for the next five years!  

That's HOPE

 

2.       A U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class came up to me after the fishing portion of a TWF event at which family members were invited.  He had brought his five year old daughter with him to the event.  With tears in his eyes, he told me that because of his deployments, injuries, hospital stays, convalescence, and rehabilitation, that this was the first time that he had been able do any kind of special outing with his daughter.  That's HOPE.

 

I could give many, many more examples, but I think I've made my point.  HOPE is a very powerful thing whether you receive it or whether you give it.  

 

There are many people, especially at this time of year, who have lost HOPE and are struggling.  They may be family, friends, or strangers.  Reach out to them and give them HOPE in whatever way you can.  

Oh, and a little LOVE sure wouldn't hurt either.

 

Stay Connected

Greetings!

As 2014 comes to a close, it seems appropriate to take a look back at some of the wonderful memories we have created throughout the year, and share with all of you some amazing numbers (47 events in 20 different states) of how many people we have touched this year. In doing so, we have created a short video montage of some of the "best of" pictures from the year. Special thanks to our friend, Josh Hudson from Hudson's Portrait Designs, for help in creating this clip. Check out our YouTube video of the best of 2014, and cheers to 2015!