by Jim Behnken, Western Program Director, C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation
At CAST for kids, EVERYONE wins!
The C.A.S.T. for Kids foundation works with community volunteers to provide days of fishing for children with special needs. C.A.S.T. Is an acronym for “Catch A Special Thrill.” The catfish of all varieties provide “thrills” at a large majority of our events we hold nationwide.
Our 501(c)(3) for profit charity works with individuals from local areas to pull events that not only empower the lives of children with disabilities, but also the volunteers that come to the events.
We have a saying in our organization that states, “At CAST for kids, EVERYONE wins!” This could not possibly be a truer phrase. The children’s lives are positively impacted and the volunteers that contribute their time to help walk away with a sense of satisfaction that very few other things in life can match.
The foundation holds events at rivers, lakes, and even farm ponds. At every one of these locales, there are plenty of catfish available to provide some special thrills to our children. The channel catfish have brought smiles to literally thousands of children at CAST for Kids events. A large majority of the children who attend hey Cast for Kids event has never caught a fish in their lives.
The foundations volunteers fundraise in the local area to be able to gift every child a rod, reel, tackle box, T-shirt, fishing cap, and an award plaque to commemorate their achievements of the day.
Each event is covered by a liability policy and offers online registration for both children and volunteers. We want these children to not only have a wonderful time the day of our event but also to have the fishing supplies necessary to go back again and again with their families.
The foundation is all about getting more children and families together in the outdoors. More tackle boxes and fewer X boxes!
These events are extremely easy to get organized in your local area. I encourage the catfisherman of America to come together to create memories that these children will never forget.
Catfish are a great source of fun for these children. Catching one entertains them with a great battle. They fight hard, and with the proper tutorage by volunteers, the catfish can be caught by the children in great numbers.
Check out our website at WWW.CASTFORKIDS.ORG. Please reach out to us with questions about holding one of these events in your area.
