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Killeen Texas C.A.S.T. For Kids
Temple Lake Park, Belton Lake
By: Kassie Waibel
Outreach Health Services
The theme for this year's event could surely have been, "Ask and Ye Shall Receive". This year we did not have to change the site of the event, but we did push the date back for two separate, distinct reasons. Our planned date coincided with Belton Lakes largest Bass Fishing Tournament, which would have greatly increased the traffic on the lake but more importantly might have prevented us form having enough boaters. As all event coordinators know, boats are always a prime concern. The second reason we rescheduled fell under God's control; drought. We had severe below normal levels in all the surrounding area lakes. We decided on May 12, 2007 in hopes that in the upcoming weeks we would get enough rain so our boater volunteers would be able to launch. One thing I forgot to factor in is the power of prayer. Several prayer chains picked up the call and we prayed for rain. At the instruction of Murray McCarly from the Army Corp of Engineer's, we where even specific enough to pray for rain upstream so it would flow into Belton via the areas surrounding tributaries. He was also concerned at the serious lack of water and we were tentatively planning a shore event. Not to worry. Our prayers were answered and then some. Four days before our event, my site chairperson and I visited the lake to map out a landing zone for a surprise visit from LifeStar Helicopter Service and we were shocked to find the water almost up to the Pavilion itself. The courtesy dock was under water as was the floating fishing dock. I couldn't help but laugh. I forgot God has a sense of humor and since we didn't specify exactly how much water we needed He provided abundance.
Now less than a week away we were faced with a second interesting twist. Our volunteer BBQ Chef called on the same day we discovered the water to say our donation for the BBQ meat had fallen through. We were able to purchase some of the meat and received a last minute donation covering the hotdog buns from McAllister's and the hamburger buns from Chili's. Each of these sponsor's were already donating the sides and setups so their last minute help was greatly appreciated. But I was worried. Something told me 5 cases of burgers and two cases of hotdogs weren't going to feed the multitudes so I was prepared to go begging and pleading for help. As I headed out Bubba called me with great news. Several of the diners that frequent Bubba's Café in Belton, overheard the drama. Two donations were given that very day which covered the purchase of all the additional meat and then some. Next Life Star Services accepted a donation from Dominos for 30 pizzas on our behalf. Once again, God provided for us.
Whew. Okay, we have water, we have food, and we have boaters, now we need kids. Last year we were short by four. This year we were over by, well, lets just say a few. Oops. So we did what we had been doing. We prayed and our prayers were answered by the very children we were planning the event for.
Kids are amazing. They smiled, they shared, and they went fishing. Several children were veterans of last year's event and came with all their past years regalia, right down to the poles. So we had extra poles, extra shirts, and extra hats. What we didn't have was enough life preservers or space on the boats. So, just like we learned in kindergarten, we took turns, and a last minute recruit saved the day. Ever on the watch for potential volunteers, I noticed a gentleman bringing his boat in at the boat dock. I asked if he was coming or going and gave him a winning smile. Dressed in my brightest red Cast for Kids t-shirt, I sort of stood out. He looked at me with tears in his eyes and told me how touched he was by what we were doing. I pounced. He not only took the last family we had anxiously waiting to fish but stayed for our awards ceremony. The story gets better. This gentleman was celebrating a special one year anniversary that beautiful sunny morning in May. Exactly one year to the day of our event, he had been saved by a kidney donation from his sister. As he approached the stage to present his "kid" with her award, the child's father asked to speak. He told the entire crowd of 375 what this gentleman had done for his daughter. After a standing ovation and several dewy eyes, this very quiet shy man spoke. He said that he was thankful he had been spared so he could participate in our event and would be proud to return next year.
We were fortunate to have not one but three pontoon boats this year. Texas boat world donated the use of two months ago. They actually sold one they were planning to use Saturday morning, Friday night. Not to worry. A Texas Boat World employee used his personal boat and brought along his entire family as volunteers. Our event involves several children that are completely wheelchair bound, have heavy ventilators and other equipment. I can't begin to tell you the chewed nails we had over how to get these kids on board with the courtesy dock under water. Our dilemma was solved by good old fashioned strength and team work. The Boater Captains maneuvered their boats as close to the shore as possible and then the true fun began. Several Harker Heights High football and lacrosse athlete volunteers gave us a true demonstration of their abilities. They took off their shoes, rolled up their pants and power lifted the kids in their chairs which weigh approximately 100 lbs, into the bow of the boats. Yes, there were a few gasps from the crowd, but not one boater got even their big toe wet! Shane Hill even transferred several parents via piggyback to the waiting boats.
All in all our day was a great success. We had our fly by of the LifeStar air ambulance, and the landing which created a moment of hushed silence at the pavilion. The Fort Hood Canine Team dazzled the crowd with the prowess of magnificently trained dogs. Several kids were called forward to participate and learn how these beautiful animals interact with humans. These animals were at once gentle yet fierce and truly work in tandem with their human trainers. Gator from Home Depot provided the kids with the opportunity to build their own flower container complete with tiny clay pots. The crew from All.U.Med left their motorcycles and picked up hammers to help the kids and Gator build birdhouses. Putt-Putt delighted young and old with a portable set up of golf and "fishing" from a kiddies pool full of toys, not to mention the goodie bags for every single participant. Sheree and her Putt-Putt crew made over 250 bags. The food that we once worried would not be enough to feed everyone, like the fish and the loaf of bread, seemed to multiply before our eyes. Bubba and his crew cooked over 250 burgers and at least 200 hotdogs. In addition to the last minute help with buns, McAllister's provided potato salad, chips, cookies and two volunteers to help with the serving. Chili's provided beautiful trays of condiments and sides, plus utensils and a volunteer to serve it. Starbucks once again provided the coffee so desperately needed early in the morning and iced tea for lunch. They even brought along donuts to dip!
First we didn't have enough of what we needed, then through prayer and thoughtfulness, we had more than enough. The kids, their families, the volunteers, and all who attended left with smiles and warm thoughts. We are already thinking about our event next year and can't wait. See ya next year!
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(Click on a picture to enlarge)
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Event Information |
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Location |
Killeen Texas |
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When |
May 12, 2007 |
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Participants: |
61 children
185 volunteers
42 boaters |
Partners &
Sponsors: |
Outreach Health Services
Texas Boat World
Starbucks
McAlister's
Chili's
Putt-Putt
Home Depot
Lowes
HEB
Copperas Cove Fire Dept.
Dodge Country, Academy
Outback
Mary Kay
Circuit City
Central Texas College
Lifestar
Powerprint Tees
AllUMed
Wal-Mart
Bubba's Café
Ft. Hood ACS
EFMP/MWR
Texas Parks and Wildlife
LCRA
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
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Children's Agencies: |
Ft. Hood EFMP
KISD Special Education Department
area Foster homes
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