Hurricane Kostick Hits Sanibel / Captiva Island Florida
By Laura Blaskowitz
August 3, 2007 a major storm of excitement and a flood of fun and fishing blew across the white sands of Sanibel / Captiva Island Florida. Sandy Kostick, chief creator of IDEAS marketing and promotions lead a group of volunteers, boater captains and kids in the first Dolphin Boats / Tween Waters Inn C.A.S.T. for Kids event in Southern Florida.
Kostick, a resident of Sanibel / Captiva Island lead the efforts of local businesses and volunteers to offer 30 kids from the Lee County Boys & Girls Club a chance to spend the day fishing with boater captains from the surrounding area. The weekend began with a live and silent auction dinner offering items from oil changes to weekend getaway packages to fine custom made jewelry, going to the highest bidders. Local business owners, city officials and residents participated in the effort to raise greatly needed funds in support of C.A.S.T. for Kids. "We are so happy and very proud to have raised $12,472.00 for C.A.S.T. along with another $3,750.00 of in-kind services in support of the event, bringing our total amount raised to $16,222.00", stated Kostick. Our Auction Committee lead by Diane Cortese was phenomenal" she concluded.
In recognition for her dedication and efforts to support the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation, Jim Owens, Executive Director and President of C.A.S.T. made the trip from Renton Washington to present Kostick the C.A.S.T. Foundations "Special Thrill Maker Award". "This is the highest award and most cherished our foundation can present to an individual that has gone above and beyond in providing a C.A.S.T. event to children in their area," stated Owens. "We are very happy to have new events in Southern Florida and she has been the driving force to make that happen" he concluded.
Immediately following the award presentation, Guest Speaker Art Pasley entertained the crowd with stories of his past saltwater fishing trips. Pasley is the Eastern Regional Director for C.A.S.T. and a 2006 inductee into the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame. "Those were the funniest stories I have ever heard" stated Omar Sosa, Production Manager for Dolphin Boats. "We are very happy to be a part of the C.A.S.T. program and look forward to sponsoring more events in the future," he concluded.
As the silent auction ended the real action began as Victor Mayeron of The Mucky Duck started the bidding for the rest of the items provided by local residents and businesses from Sanibel / Captiva Island. "This was a great event for our area" stated Mayeron. We are all so proud to be a part of this effort and it has really pulled our community together for the kids" he added. "Dolphin Boats and Tween Waters Inn have provided a great opportunity for our community and just to be a part of this event is very gratifying" stated Mayeron.
The following morning everyone was able to see first hand how their money is spent when 30 kids from the Lee County Boys & Girls club arrived for a day of fun and fishing on boats with the volunteer Captains. Each received a Zebco rod and reel, hat, t-shirt and Plano Tackle box. After spending a few hours on their most excellent fishing adventure, they returned to a wonderful lunch provided by Larry Thompson and the Lazy Flamingo Restaurant. Bottled water was provided by Sarah Ashton and soft drinks by Baileys. Once everyone was gathered around the Marina, the awards presentation for the kids began. "You guy's ROCK!" stated one of the young anglers as he was handed his plaque with a picture of him and his Captain fixed in the frame.
One by one, the Boat Captains presented their partners for the day their plaque and gave a few words describing their appreciation for being a part of the event. Once the kids received their awards everyone gathered for a group picture and as they began to leave the area, each Boater Captain and participant received a goody bag filled with very nice items provide in support of the event.
Within hours, as quickly as it had arrived, Hurricane Kostick slowly diminished and a silent calm came over the area as everyone reflected on the results of their efforts that morning. "I want to thank everyone" stated Ms. Kostick. "I am so proud of the way the event went and how much everyone enjoyed the day with the kids. It truly does give you a "Special Thrill", she concluded.
Thank you Sandy and all those who made that such, a special day for the kids. You are all "Special Thrill Makers'
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