• Volunteer with web design skills
• Volunteer with videography skills
• Pop-up Tents (E-Z Up, Quick Shade, etc.)
• Folding Tables
• New First Aid Kits
• Upright Vacuum Cleaner
• Rubber Cargo Mat for Chevy Astro Van
• Airlines Miles

You didn’t ask for fishing gear?  We thought some of you may be wondering about that.  Well, the truth is we do want it, but with a catch.  The best way for you to donate new and lightly used tackle is on-site at our events.  This way it can go to the people who benefit most from it, the kids!  To make a fishing gear donation please contact your local event coordinator.

In addition, Matt Doyle, the manager of Lake Shasta Caverns has become another indispensable part of the Lake Shasta event.  He has donated their huge Cavern Queen patio boat for the last 11 years and although there have been a few years where not many kids went on the Cavern Queen, to Matt that does not matter.  Even if it was one child he would be there and ready to do anything to make sure that every single one of these special kids gets the opportunity to experience the magic of the event.

When reflecting upon her involvement with the C.A.S.T. programs, Harral states, “For me, my favorite time is in the early morning as the children start to arrive.  There is excitement in the air with the anticipation of what the new day will bring for these kids (you can actually feel it!).  The prospect of catching the “Big One” or just getting to go out on Shasta Lake is a very special treat for them.  As the volunteers smear the kids with sun screen you can see delight on their faces.  That to me this is the pinnacle of why we all do this.  Their joy is pure.  Of course, then the rest of the day becomes a big blur until the day is done and we can all reflect on what an amazing thing C.A.S.T. For Kids really is.  It is giving, pure and simple and there is nothing better than that.”  We couldn’t agree more!

There are events and then THERE ARE EVENTS!!  This year’s Kansas Highway Patrol C.A.S.T. for Kids fishing event was every bit as special for 39 young disabled or disadvantaged children.  For some of these young children it was the first time in a Bass Boat, first time up close to Law Enforcement, and the first time to catch a fish.  All eyes were upon them as they and their parents rolled into Harvey County East Lake just after dawn.  The first thing there little eyes saw were the big trucks and bass boats all lined up and in position to unload into the water.  Then, it was what seemed like miles of Kansas Highway Patrol vehicles lined up along the roadway that they had to pass on the way to the parking area.  On the way to the registration tables they were able to set in the patrol vehicles, ask questions of troopers and see first hand what a State Trooper’s vehicle looks like and what’s in them.  They proudly displayed the Junior Trooper Stickers given to them.  If only recruiting was this easy.

June 18, 2011 was another perfect day for our sixth annual Kansas Highway Patrol Cast for Kids fishing event at Harvey County East Lake in Newton, Kansas.  Considering the Kansas weather, again we were lucky as the rain and bad weather left us in the early morning hours and gave us a beautiful day of fishing.

By now the children have spotted the brand new Zebco rods and reels, tackle boxes, hats, shirts and there little eyes are as wide as fifty-cent pieces and excitement is in the air everywhere.  By the time this day is over they will all, “Catch a Special Trill.”  There were some first’s for us this year.  We changed lake locations for the first time in six years and this year the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation celebrated its 20 year anniversary which meant a very nice ball cap and a special t-shirt and a water bottle for each participant.

We kicked off the event with a prayer and the National Anthem performed by Motor Carrier Inspector Fred Johnson.  Kansas Highway Patrol Administrative Assistants Angela Grammer, Renae McCrory, and Elizabeth Turner, helped with registration, setup, and awards.  They were a big part of the event running so smoothly.  Kansas Motorist Assist Officer Mike Briley took photos making sure every child had a photo that could be placed in their plaque.  Mike has been our photographer for five years running and does an awesome job.  We had over twenty troopers partnering with the kids this year which is what this program is all about.  They also signed plenty of autographs with K-numbers for the kids. Sedgwick County Sheriffs Deputies Bill Felix and Dave Rank handled the sound system for us again.  They have been our partners since the events began.

I would like to mention another guy who has helped us with our events every year.  Larry Shoop ( WWW.COPSNBOBBERS.COM ).  Larry is a Deputy with the Johnson County Sheriffs Department.  He brought a special gift for our participants this year and each received a soft pack cooler filled with goodies.

A few new partners that made this event possible were Park Manager Cass Miller who went above and beyond in making the event a success.  Officer Jennifer Motes with the Halstead Police Department, Trooper J. Dryden K295, and Melanie Watkins with Harvey County District Court were instrumental in getting the word out to the children of Harvey County that could benefit most from our event.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words.  If that’s true, when you look at the photos from this event it’s easy to see why our event is so special.  All of the photos from this year’s event can be viewed by CLICKING HERE.

CAST for Kids and Let’s Move Outside! event at Lake Pleasant Regional Park, Phoenix Arizona, April 23, 2011

The Bureau of Reclamation’s Phoenix Area Office hosted its 12^th annual C.A.S.T. for Kids fishing event at Lake Pleasant Regional Park, north of Phoenix, Ariz. on April 23, 2011.  This year’s event allowed 37 children with disabilities or who are socioeconomically disadvantaged to spend a morning out on the lake, courtesy of volunteer boat captains from the Arizona Bass Federation.

Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Interior John Tubbs helps distribute fishing tackle to a CAST for Kids participant – April 23, 2011, Lake Pleasant, Phoenix AZ

This year, the four key principles of the Let’s Move Outside! initiative, a component of the First Lady’s Let’s Move campaign, became a focal point of the day. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Water and Science John Tubbs came out from Washington to support the Let’s Move Outside! emphasis on health, family, fun, and stewardship.

“We’ve got about a hundred volunteers out here with kids from the Phoenix area enjoying a great day of fishing here on beautiful Lake Pleasant. We’re getting people outdoors, in America’s Great Outdoors.  I’m just happy to be here and be a part of it,” Tubbs said from a speedboat piloted by Reclamation’s Phoenix Area Manager Randy Chandler. They were accompanied by David Modeer, General Manager of the Central Arizona Project.  No trouble finding kids reeling in those fish – the large-mouth bass were biting this year!

While the participating children were out fishing, their families enjoyed a casting practice experience on shore and lessons on stewardship from Liberty Wildlife, a local organization that rehabilitates injured wild birds.

This year’s CAST for Kids event emphasized good nutrition and healthy food choices by offering fruit, raw vegetables to snack on, and a turkey-burger option at lunch. Recipe cards for healthy foods that are fun to make and fun to eat were included in the participating children’s goody-bags, along with rules for outdoor games the whole family could enjoy.

Bureau of Reclamation’s Phoenix Area Manager Randy Chandler gives a participating child his plaque and trophy while his volunteer Arizona Bass Federation boat captain looks on. Assisting Randy is General Manager David Modeer of the Central Arizona Project, Reclamation’s partner in staging the annual CAST for Kids event on Lake Pleasant. April 23, 2011

“I saw a lot of big smiles on kids’ faces and a lot of big fish, too,” Tubbs said, speaking at the awards ceremony during which each child receives a plaque and a trophy. “It was great to see people happy, enjoying the water and the weather. I want to thank all the volunteers and the boat captains today.  This is a great opportunity to get outside and enjoy the water and our great outdoors.”  He added, “I’ll be sure to bring back word to the Assistant Secretary about what a fantastic event this is.”

The event could not take place without the cooperation and contributions of the Central Arizona Water Conservation District and Maricopa County Parks and Recreation, which manages the recreational facilities at the lake, formed by New Waddell Dam on the Central Arizona Project, through an agreement with Reclamation.

The Cast for Kids fishing event at Lake Pleasant is hosted by the Bureau of Reclamation’s Phoenix Area office; Steve Johnson is the coordinator.  Cooperating agencies include the Arizona Bass Federation; Arizona Game and Fish Department; Central Arizona Project; Coast Guard Auxiliary; Liberty Wildlife; and the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department.  Children are referred from the Paradise Valley Unified School District Special Olympics; Quality Care Network; and the Vineyard Church of North Phoenix.

Sponsors donate fishing equipment (including worms) and provide food, items for goody bags, trophies, exhibits and everything needed to make the day enjoyable for all involved.  This year’s sponsors included: Arizona Bass Federation; Baker Wee Bakery;

Bill Johnson’s Restaurants; Central Arizona Project, President’s Award for Community Service; Coca-Cola Enterprises; Shamrock Foods Company; Dairy Maid Foods; First Credit Union; Fry’s Food Stores; Salt River Solar & Wind, LLC; and Sav-On Fence Company.

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Fish & Feast Participant w/ the Sea Gals at the 2010 Seahawks Fundraiser

Following the morning festivities, guests will be treated to a fabulous BBQ Feast and Awards Bash held on the grounds of VMAC and a behind-the-scenes tour of the facility.  For information on getting involved as a sponsor, please visit the C.A.S.T. website and the Fish & Feast Event page for details.  Youth participants have been invited through local community organizations.

They say an apple doesn’t fall far from its tree and in the case of the person in this month’s Coordinator spotlight, Derek Herzog more than confirms that theory.  As an Outdoor Nature Instructor for the LCRA at the McKinney Roughs Nature Center, Derek was a volunteer for one of the best run C.A.S.T. events in the country at Lake Bastrop.  My first impression was, is this guy for real?  His obvious love of the outdoors and the kids at the event were quickly realized by not only me,  but everyone in attendance. This mountain of a man was a gentle caring soul and the kids loved him.

After working with Derek for a couple of years I was told that he had moved on from LCRA.  Not something you like to hear when you see someone with so much to offer to the program, but never the less, he was gone. End of story? Nope.  The following year I got a call from Derek and his familiar friendly voice said “Hey Art, this is Derek!  I live in Corpus Christi now and want to do a C.A.S.T. event down here for the kids.”  The rest is history.

That was in 2008.  Since then the  Packery Channel event has gotten bigger and better every year and 2011 was no exception with about 35 kids and over 80 volunteers this past weekend!  Each year C.A.S.T. events begin on the Gulf Coast and Derek and his co-workers are the first to share that Special Thrill with disabled and disadvantaged children in their community.  The white sands of the Texas Coast reflect not only the rays of the sun, but those smiles from the kids and volunteers as well.  Who better to spotlight than the Packery Channel Coordinator my friend and fellow Texan, Derek Herzog.

Packery Channel Photo Gallery

C.A.S.T. Regional Event Coordinator Elizabeth Lampkin (second from the right) at a 'Power of One' luncheon

C.A.S.T. Regional Event Director Elizabeth Lampkin was recognized at the Central Valley Mayors Committee “Power of One” luncheon this past November for her participation in the hiring of individuals with disabilities.  For her outstanding efforts she was presented a plaque from the Mayors committee, a Letter of Commendation from U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, a certificate from Fresno City Council member Cynthia Sterling, a certificate from the California Department of Rehabilitation and has been asked to join the Central Valley Mayor’s Committee.

Although Elizabeth is moving to another position with in the IRS, she continues to reach out to help people with disabilities find gainful employment. It is estimated that throughout her tenure, her efforts have enabled over thirty people with disabilities find jobs at the IRS. Many have become full time, permanent employees.

Elizabeth’s experience with government administration, coordination, and her love for the outdoors and people with special challenges brought her in contact with the C.A.S.T for Kids program in 2006 shortly after joining the Bureau of Reclamation.  In 2006 and again in 2007, Elizabeth partnered with Valerie Curley to help host the Millerton Lake event.  As a result of her dedication and outstanding efforts with the C.A.S.T. for Kids program, Elizabeth was asked to participate as a Regional Event Director and now provides support to numerous events within the State of California.

Keep up the good work Liz!  We’re very lucky to have you as a part if our team!

We truly hope that you continue to realize just how essential your contributions are in helping programs such as ours continue in  these very difficult times.

• A $25 contribution stocks ponds at our Fishing Kids events so that each child can experience the thrill of catching a fish.
• A $50 contribution provides each child with their very own rod, reel, and loaded tackle box to keep at no cost.
• A $100 contribution fully fund one child’s participation in a C.A.S.T. event.
• A $250 contribution provides ten children participation in a Fishing Kids event.

These are just a few of the examples of the impact we can make together.  Please help us make 2011 our best year yet!

CFC # 12017