C.A.S.T. for Kids brings fun and laughter to Special Kids
By Patty Lenderman
Since 2001, the Jasper area community and businesses put their efforts together to create one extra special day for kids with extra special needs and circumstances. Kids who, in their normal life routines usually have a lot more to deal with than the average person. Their challenges include physical, mental, and economic extremes. The purpose of putting together this one special day for them is to provide a fun day with a variety of outdoor experiences, learning new things, making new friends and have lasting positive memories. The kids are not the only ones that go home with a smile on their faces.
Lisa Gilley was Director for this years' event, and had a lot of help from several different people and businesses. Rhonda Mays, Co-Director in 2005, also helped coordinate. The kids were divided into color groups to visit each activity station, and John Salamone acted as emcee to keep everyone organized and rotating to their next fun stop. Pro Bass Angler Chris McCall and his wife Kelly came with their A & W Root beer boat to meet the kids, talk with them, take pictures and give autographs as did Pro Bass Angler Mike Milam with Navionics & Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits. Jasper Farm & Ranch brought a tractor and trailer for a fun hay ride down to the water where pontoon boats were waiting to take the kids out on the water. Terry Walters, Jeff Lambert, Rob & Donna Miller made sure there was plenty of room for everyone on the pontoon boats and took them out for a ride. The Jasper County Emergency Corps went out in their boats with each flight of pontoons to ensure everyone's safety. Chief Gary Dougharty and crew of the Jasper Fire Department brought the big red ladder truck for the kids to see, climb on and get their own honorary fire hats. Texas Parks & Wildlife Inland Fisheries brought the catfish tank, ready with 500 hungry catfish along with the fishing gear for the kids to catch them. Charles Frazier brought his mule drawn carriage and gave everyone a ride through the park. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Park Rangers Kiel Downing, Jason Grimlich, Keith Cook and Judd McNett taught the kids about boat safety, and how to save someone if they fell in the water. Jasper High School Football players and Power lifters assisted each group, getting them to each station and helping with the activities. Mike Taylor's sister Melody Hale along with Jill Kerkstra and Stefani Dahlberg from Texas State University in San Marcos set up a face painting booth, putting artistic designs on a lot of happy faces. Pro Bass Angler Bud Pruitt with Skeeter / Yamaha was on hand to help wherever needed. The Stump Restaurant made sure there was plenty to eat & drink, serving breakfast burritos from Tamales, plenty of iced down drinks, then hot dogs, hamburgers and sausage links for lunch. McDonald's provided the hamburger patties, U Save provided hot dogs and Brookshire Brothers donated the sausage links. Bimbo Bakery provided the buns, and Frito Lay pitched in the chips, while Foremost Dairy and Buck Springs provided drinks. Crystal Clear Ice kept everything cold, including soft drinks brought by Advantage Home Health. There were several businesses that donated food or other products for goodie bags, and many more individuals that came to help and be a part. For a grand finale, the Alabama-Coushatta Indian dancers came for a presentation of several Native American specialty dances that everyone enjoyed.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers donated the use of Ebenezer Park and provided the Port-A-Johns. Other special thanks go to Party Perfect for providing tables & chairs. Eagle Rock donates a large portion of the proceeds from their annual crappie event each year to fund this project. Thank you also to Pro-Inspect and International Precious Metals for their generous donations every year. The plaques that each child receives with their pictures are bought with these funds, along with rods & reels, tackle boxes and many other items that the kids can take home with them and enjoy long after this day is done. State Farm Insurance provided the camera & film for each child to receive a picture, commemorating their day. KJAS provided the P.A. system used to for each announcement. Lowe's, Accu Care and Wal-Mart provided items for the goodie bags and volunteers from Payless Shoes also came to help. If you would like to help at next years event, making a positive difference in these kids' lives, contact Lisa Gilley at 409-423-1531. Some of the needs include clowns, petting zoo, puppet shows, just to name a few. "This is such a great event" stated Lisa Gilley. "Most of us want to be a part in giving back to our community somehow, and this event helps us all with a focus and purpose to do just that. Several of these kids have come every year, and it is kind of like an annual day-camp for them. A lot of them would never be able to have most of these types of experiences if it wasn't for the CAST events. I'd like to thank all of the volunteers and contributors. None of this would be possible without them. Thank you also for the kids, who gave us so much joy letting us be a part of their special day."
Seeing the joy, feeling the triumph of each accomplishment, made for a memorable day for everyone present. Catch A Special Thrill - is what CAST for kids is all about.
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