2nd Annual Ian Surratt C.A.S.T. Event
By: Art Pasley
Arriving early for the 2nd Annual Ian Surratt Memorial C.A.S.T. event allowed me time to reflect not only on Ian but the many children we've seen over the years. Watching as they floated effortlessly across the surface of the lake, I noticed three generations of ducks. The first group was fully grown while the next seem to be from last winters hatching to a new group, barely able to keep up with the others. Then there was a single baby duckling that had a mother nudging it along to catch up with the rest. Soon the boaters and volunteers began to arrive and my attention turned to the task at hand.
Troy Moncrief and friends provide an exceptional day each year to the boys and girls from Cook Children's Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas. Most of these kids are dealing with pain, fear and treatment every day, but for a day each year, they are just kids having fun with a group of volunteers, the Fun-n-Sun Pro Staff, B.A.S.S. Tour legend David Greg and members of the Sportsmen's Club of Fort Worth.
With the staff of West Bay Marina and Campground providing food and support to the event, it's always a wonderful place to be. Everyone feels at home and as the kids began to arrive, a few saw Boater Captains from past events and quickly rekindled their friendships. Then like the lone baby duckling, a few had to be nudged along to keep up with the others. It may take a duck a while to catch up, but not these kids. It's amazing how soon they feel the love and care waiting for them at this event. Once Troy had them paired and each child fitted with a life vest, they were off for a fun filled day.
As with every event, the stories were told of great catches and fast boat rides, as one by one they returned to a great lunch provided by Cousins Bar-B-Que. Ian's Mother and Dad proudly stood by as each child was presented their plaque celebrating their day at the lake in honor of their son Ian. What a wonderful day it was.
Special thanks to Ron and Lauren Surratt for being such an inspiration, Cook Children's Medical Center for all they do, Jeff Gilbert and the entire FUN-N-SUN Elite Fleet, Chris Dowdy and his fellow Texas Game Wardens, Eric Walsh and the Fort Worth Sportsmen's Club, Chad Potts and Bass Champs, Walter Covington and the West Bay Marina staff, Cousin's Bar-B-Que and Kristin Hicks for all her hard work. Without their help, there would be no Special Thrill's.
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