Event Information |
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Location |
Jasper, Texas |
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When |
May 18, 2002 |
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Participants: |
146 children; 50 boaters;
325 volunteers |
Partners &
Sponsors: |
The Stump Restaurant
Pro-Inspect
Entergy
JEDCO
US Army Corps of Engineers
Kiwanis Club of Jasper
Jasper VFW Post 6380
Gold Star Emergency Medical Services
KJAS Radio 107.3
Jasper Newton Electric Cooperative
Dawson Marine
Foremost Dairy
Casa Ole’
Christus Jasper Memorial Hospital
Holiday Inn Express
Rayburn Country
First National Bank of Jasper
Dickerson Memorial Hospital LTD.
State Farm Insurance of Jasper
Vidor Bass Association
T.B.B.U.
Challenged Sportsman
Wallace’s Saddle Up
Texas B.A.S.S. Federation,
Region 713-409
Jasper Police Department
Jasper Sheriff’s Department
LAKECASTER Publications
Boy Scouts of America, Troop 932
Jonnie Davis
Sealy Outdoors
Just Archery Bow Club
Lions Club of Jasper
Leo Club of Jasper
Jasper Farm and Ranch Supply
Future Farmers of America
Wal-Mart Super Store of Jasper
Walker Blueline Service and Sales
Future Bankers of Jasper
Jasper High School
Buck Springs Water
Crystal Clear Ice
Elijah’s Restaurant
Rayburn Tackle
Bimbo Bakery
U.S. Foods
Alliance Foods
Al’s Party Rentals
Tamales Restaurant
Jasper Newton County Cooperative
Advertising Visual
Bayou Boogie Band
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Children’s Agency: |
Jasper/Newton County |
LAKE SAM RAYBURN, Texas -- May 19, 2002 -- The “Catch a Special Thrill” event came to Lake Sam Rayburn in the beautiful setting of Ebeneezer Park. Nearly 150 disadvantaged children with special medical needs from the Jasper, Newton and Sabine County, Texas areas participated in the largest collaborative event since its inception in 1991. The smiles, the laughter, the first time wonders experienced by the kids and volunteers was awesome. It was the kind of event that none of the participants will soon forget.
C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation, formed in 1991, joined with volunteers, who loved to fish with physically challenged, and disadvantaged children, to coordinate and initiate a day of fishing with these kids in the great outdoors. A C.A.ST. for Kids event was then designed, from those earlier events, to create a friendly environment, where children and adults alike would benefit from each other by taking from their special day, their own special lessons, and special memories, as both children and adults would have the opportunity to leave their problems behind on the shore, to share and enjoy their special day of fun on the water.
Texas Parks & Wildlife came and had an educational “Operation Game Theft” booth, laser hunting for the kids to try and a catfish tank with over 500 fish that the kids enjoyed immensely with many “first fish” awards given. The kids got to try their hand at archery as well as flipping, pitching and casting lessons from some area fishing pros. There were pony rides and pony painting with entertainment from the Bayou Boogie Band. The Stump Restaurant provided lunch for everyone and Elija's Restaurant provided breakfast. Tribal Indians came from the Alabama Coushata Reservation and entertained with many full dress tribal dances. Jasper Boy Scout Troop #932 helped the kids fly kites.
“Splasher the Frog,” mascot for the Corps of Engineers came and created a lot of smiles. All of the kids received a Plano tackle box, Zebco rod and reel combo, hats and T-shirts, and finally a plaque wit a picture of them to commemorate the event. There is no way to put into words the joy that poured out from everyone no matter what their role in participation.
C.A.S.T. for Kids continues to fulfill its original purpose, while continuing to realize others:
- Increasing awareness of disabled and disadvantaged children in our communities;
- Appreciation for natural resources.
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| Our thanks to Sherran Strong Bard for the photos below. |
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