Fish Tales Marina / King Fling Event
Sanibel / Captiva Island and the Fort Myers, Florida area have become the stronghold for C.A.S.T. in Southwestern Florida. One could honestly say for the entire state. With a continued effort and support for the program, volunteers and fishing organizations there have partnered together to provide four C.A.S.T. events since June 23rd, 2007 with a fifth and final event scheduled for November 3rd. Amazingly every event has been conducted by the same group of volunteers, along with many of the same sponsors and Boater Captains from the immediate area. A feat never before done since the C.A.S.T. for Kids program was developed in 1991.
A new twist to our program is the selection of C.A.S.T. as the official charity for a salt water fishing tournament. Wally Thomas and Mike Gavala run most likely the best salt water tournament program I have ever witnessed. I attended their Grouper Grab event in August and was amazed at the attendance, music, food and the well ran event. That was the second tournament in their race for the Triple Crown Title event held Sunday, October 14th at the Fish Tales Marina.
The festivities began with the Captains meeting held Friday evening at the Holiday Inn on Fort Myers Beach. C.A.S.T. representative Sandy Kostick addressed the crowd and offered her appreciation for the opportunity to be involved with the tournament.
The following morning, Ms. Kostick, along with a large group of volunteers, set up tables and sign-in areas for participants and volunteers. As each child and family arrived they were greeted by Ms. Kostick and a number of the host. Each received a t-shirt, hat, tackle box and a rod & reel and was soon paired with an experienced Boater Captain for the day of fishing.
Once everyone was off to catch the fish of their dreams, the staff loaded everything and moved to the Marina Caf�. Plaques were prepared and lunch was ready as one by one, the Boat Captains drifted into the Marina area with boats filled with smiles and laughter. "I caught a shark" echoed across the slew as one by one the stories were told. "This was great" stated an excited Captain Lamar Williams. "We caught em, we really caught" he boasted as he led his young partners to the lunch area.
Now usually, this is where I close with kudos for all and best wishes, but in Florida, we are only half way through their effort to promote the program. Once everyone is feed and hugged and sent on their way, the committee started moving clothing sales products along with items collected for an Auction to raise greatly needed funds for C.A.S.T.
I have to tell you, I am about to run out of gas by now but with a committee of volunteers and help from many, the items are set up at a totally different location and prepared for another full blown effort to promote the C.A.S.T. program. Local media, news paper writers and radio personalities are on hand to bring up the final leg of a weekend filled with excitement. As the sun went down, you could hear the auctioneer as his encouragement to purchase the treasured items echoed down the beach.
The following morning found everyone gathered around tables outside the Holiday Inn Restaurant discussing ways to improve and prepare for the upcoming final event of the year. That is dedication my friends. That's concern and belief in yourself, your friends and your program. You want to know the definition of Special Thrill Makers? Visit an event in Florida as a volunteer. You will have a very clear picture by the time you leave.
Thank you all for everything you have done and hope to do for the kids in Florida and thank you so much for all the new friends I now have in Fort Myers and Sanibel / Captiva Island. You truly are "Special People, Helping Special Kids Catch A Special Thrill"
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