Another Fun and Successful C.A.S.T. For Kids Event at Sarg Hubbard Park

Written by: Carolyn Chad

Participant proudly holds up her catch at 2015 Sarg Hubbard C.A.S.T. EventThe June 20, 2015, C.A.S.T. event at Sarg Hubbard Park in Yakima, Washington, was a resounding success! Twenty-eight eager participants began to register at 8:30 a.m., a substantial increase in participation from the previous year.

Nineteen "fishing buddies" stepped up to the task of ensuring that all the participants were ably assisted when their fishing adventure began. Numerous other volunteers helped by staffing the registration desk, handing out C.A.S.T. shirts and hats, assembling fishing poles and tackle boxes, ensuring that each participant was fitted with a personal flotation device, and taking a photo of the participants and their fishing buddy before heading to the pond to fish.

Once the participants began fishing, these same volunteers then assisted with food preparation, photography and general event support.

The Yakima Greenway Foundation was extremely helpful, having cleaned the walkways and docks before the event, in addition to providing shade canopies and tables.

The day of the event, following a period of unseasonably warm weather, proved to be milder than expected and added to the enjoyment of participants and volunteers. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife also provided an unexpected bonus of planting 400 "jumbo" size trout, many of which were landed by the "fisher-people" at the event.

Participants and "fishing buddies" encircled Sarg Hubbard Pond and the fun and excitement was truly a sight to behold. Participant challenges ranged from being confined to a wheelchair to learning disabilities, but they all proved that a disability does not diminish the ability of anyone to enjoy a day outdoors fishing.

After two hours of fishing, the participants returned to the registration area to have their fish cleaned and to enjoy a lunch prepared by volunteers, Rex and Diane Crumrine, with the assistance of many other helping hands. Following the well-earned lunch, each participant rejoined with their fishing buddy to receive a plaque with a picture of themselves and their fishing buddy, a “goody bag” and a certificate of participation. The day was completed with a group photo of all the participants, fishing buddies and other volunteers.

The C.A.S.T. (Catch a Special Thrill) for Kids Event is sponsored by the C.A.S.T. Foundation, and is dedicated to providing a fishing opportunity for children with a wide range of disabilities or life-altering illnesses. The Bureau of Reclamation helps support the event and First Lady Obama’s Let’s Move Outside initiative. Many local businesses support the event through generous donations, including Treetop, American Medical Response, Valley Septic Service, AB Foods, Pepsi-Cola and Culligan Water. A generous grant from the Yakama Nation Legends Casino helped to take care of other items for the event.

The smiles, the camaraderie, the "fish stories" and the large amounts of fun experienced by participants and volunteers alike made this year's C.A.S.T. event a true success! Anyone would benefit by attending future years events. The 2016 C.A.S.T. event is scheduled for Saturday, June 18, at Sarg Hubbard Park. Hope to see you all there!

Published on July 14, 2015