Celebrate a Child with Special Needs: Donate $10 to give plaque to a child
Do you remember when you were a kid and got a trophy for soccer, baseball or gymnastics? That sweet feeling of accomplishment and excellence that inspired you to be your best. For a brief and glorious moment, you stood in the spotlight while the crowd cheered. That trophy sat on your shelf for years, reminding you that you can do anything you set your mind to and symbolic of all the great memories of that sporting season.
The unfortunate reality is kids with special needs often never get those moments. For some, even the basics of life pose great challenges, let alone mastering a sport or being a key player on a team. We provide an opportunity for children with disabilities to participate in a special day of fishing with their families and avid fishermen which puts a big smile on their faces. After they’ve caught their fish, they come to the awards ceremony to be recognized among other children with special needs who they now call new friends.
During our award ceremony, each child receives a plaque with a photo of themselves and their boat captain- their special team for the day! Year after year, as kids come back and make more memories, these plaques often cover the wall of their bedroom. They serve as precious reminders to never give up. So they remember they are worth celebrating over and over again. It not only makes their hearts and minds light up in pride but also builds inner confidence that they will carry forward in their life ahead.
As a staff member of C.A.S.T. for Kids, I have the pleasure of attending a few events a year where I often have the privilege of grabbing the mic and leading the crowd in a cheer for each child. The feeling is exhilarating. Each child has a story, a unique perspective of the day. As MC, I get to look each child in the eyes, treasure them and celebrate who they are. For me, there is nothing sweeter.
My hope is that they’ll take what they feel during the awards ceremony with them wherever they go. So when they look at their plaque, they will indeed remember how very special and valuable they really are. It is our joy to give each child their moment in the spotlight. Because at C.A.S.T. for Kids, everyone wins.
Celebrate a Child with Special Needs: Donate $10 to give plaque to a child