Story by Hunter Baughman
Another week has come and gone. It’s been a fairly normal few days around the house. Church, mow the yard, fish around the house a couple of days, and then we hosted a C.A.S.T. for Kids event. That event turned a normal week into a fantastic week.
If you haven’t heard of C.A.S.T. for Kids, here is a description from their website:
“The C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation (C.A.S.T. = Catch A Special Thrill) is a public charity that was formed in 1991 to join volunteers who love to fish with children who have special needs and disadvantages for a day of fishing in the outdoors. The Foundation became an official 501(c)3 in 1994 and currently hosts C.A.S.T. for Kids events in 26 states. C.A.S.T. for Kids events enable children with special needs and their caretakers to come together with community volunteers for a fun day of fishing.”
The organization has some amazing leadership including the executive director—former Bassmaster Angler of the Year and Classic champion Jay Yelas. Other notable names in the bass fishing industry that host individual events are Keith Combs, Mark Davis and Andrew Nordbye. I’m sure I’m missing a few, but you get the point.
The smiles on the kids’ faces as they catch a fish makes it all worth it. We take for granted being able to jump in the boat and fish. Most of these kids don’t get to fish without an event like this. Plus, they receive a rod/reel combo and tackle to take home.
I hold this event at C&C by the Lake—a wedding venue with a 40-acre lake. This place is perfect for one of these events. There’s a deck area to fish from and lots of fish to catch. Then we use the venue to feed everyone and give each kid an award. My events average about 20 kids per year, but some events max out the 40-kid limit. Add in a caretaker and one to two volunteers per kid and it’s a pretty big deal.
These events can be held anywhere there is a pond to fish. If the kids are having fun, that’s all that matters!
It’s been great sharing with you this week. I highly encourage you to find an event in your area and volunteer. And if you’re feeling froggy, host your own event!
Never take going fishing for granted. Even on the “bad” days.
Talk to you next week!
Hunter Baughman – Angler Profile
