Event Information |
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Location |
Phoenix , Arizona |
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When |
March 20, 2002 |
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Participants: |
40 children; 42 boaters;
85 volunteers |
Partners &
Sponsors: |
Arizona B.A.S.S. Federation
Arizona Mule Deer Association
Army National Guard
Bureau of Reclamation
Central Arizona Water Conservation
District (Central Arizona Project)
Coast Guard Auxiliary
Maricopa County Parks
& Recreation Department
Peoria Fire Department
Salt River Project
Arizona Brand Tortilla Chips
Arizona Council of Hispanic
Employment Program Managers
Airzona Public Services
Arizona Republic
Baker Wee (Bakery)
Bill Johnson’s Restaurants
Dairy Maid Foods
First Credit Union
International Brotherhood of Electrical
Workers, Local Union 266
Luby’s Cafeteria
Phoenix Coca Cola Bottling Company
Poore Brothers, Inc.
Rick Kennedy
Sands Chevrolet
Sav-On Fence Co., Inc.
Safeway Food & Drug
Tanita Farms
Forest Service, Tonto National Forest
United Metro Materials, Inc.
Wal-Mart Supercenter, Scottsdale
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Children’s Agencies: |
Arizona Department of Economic Security,
Division of Developmental Disabilities
Lowell Elementary School
Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central &
Southern Arizona
Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center
Thomas J. Pappas School
Paradise Valley School District
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”Catch a Special Thrill (CAST) for Kids” recently held their 3rd Annual event at Lake Pleasant where 35 disabled and disadvantaged kids were treated to a da of fishing and fun. All I can say about this event is “WOW”!!! This was truly a special time in many kids lives and volunteers alike. I personaly will never forgetthe time Johnathon and I spent on the water. Watching him catch three bass on a dropshot rig, seeing him waive his hands in the air, smiling from one ear to the other, as we cruised across the lake, and letting him drive the boat though legally blind, were three of the moments that will be etched in my mind forever. I hope his time with me was as rewarding as mine with him. Through stricken by a terminal disease, his attitude and outlook on life really surprised me and taught me a lot. He is a special kid. I truly did not want to say goodbye. I hope he calls sometime so we can do it again.
Though recalling my personal experience, if you asked each and every volunteer out there how their day was, you would get the same kind of stories. As the case with Federation member Jerry Locke, who was paired wih a young girl who could not speak. She loved the boat ride the best and would rub her stomach, which means please, whenever he would stop the boat. She just wanted to ride, so Jerry filled her requests.
I highly recommend that when C.A.S.T. comes to town next year, you find it in your heart to lend your services. Whether you can take a kid out on your boat, help wheelchair kids fish from shore, donate goods or money, or simply help with setting up and tearing down, please join in the cause. To all those who participated in the 2002 event or any previous, my hat goes off to you. I am sure your day was as rewarding as mine. |
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