The C.A.S.T. for kids foundation
The C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation enriches the lives of children with special needs, supports their families, and strengthens communities through the sport of fishing. We empower families and communities to celebrate children with special needs, making these children feel valued and loved.
The C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation (C.A.S.T. = Catch A Special Thrill) is a public charity that was formed in 1991 to join volunteers who love to fish with children who have special needs and disadvantages for a day of fishing in the outdoors. The Foundation became an official 501(c)3 in 1994 and currently hosts C.A.S.T. for Kids events in 26 states.
C.A.S.T. for Kids events enable children with special needs and their caretakers to come together with community volunteers for a fun day of fishing. These events provide a refreshing break from their daily challenges and provide them an opportunity they may not otherwise experience. Spreading a positive message that kids with disabilities can accomplish anything, our events are accessible for all disabilities. This is all made possible through national and local sponsors – people who want to make a big difference in the lives of children with special needs thus strengthening their community.
The Foundation partners with a Volunteer Event Coordinator in each community we serve. These volunteer coordinators are instrumental in accomplishing our mission in their local community. Since 1991, with the help of tremendous volunteers we have hosted over 1,300 events.
Why We Do What We Do
“Everyone went above and beyond to meet the needs of every child so they could have the best experience possible. It was a fantastic experience from beginning to end.” – Parent of Participant, Lake Gladewater
Our Board of Directors
Meet our Board of Directors who govern the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation, representing numerous interests and are committed to supporting the continuance of our mission.
The C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation Staff
Jay Yelas
Executive Director
Rebecca Mabe
Managing Director
Jim Behnken
Program Events Director and Texas Regional Director
Jeff Barnes
Eastern Regional Director
Tilly Davis
Regional Director – Arkansas and Oklahoma
Todd Woods
Regional Director – California and Arizona
Melissa McCalmant
Western Operations Manager and NW/Rocky Mtn. West Regional Director
Amy Gable
Senior Operations
Manager
Jessica Behnken
Operations Manager – Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas
History In Brief
1992 – First C.A.S.T. event held at Banks Lake in Eastern Washington in partnership with the Bureau of Reclamation
1993 – Events were added in Eastern and Western Washington, and Idaho.
1994 – C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation established as a 501(c)3.
1996 – Bureau of Land Management becomes a partner with C.A.S.T. for Kids.
1998 – U.S. Army Corp of Engineers becomes a partner.
1999 – Number of events hits 25 ranging from Washington to Florida. C.A.S.T. opens the corporate office in Renton, Washington.
2002 – C.A.S.T. hosts 32 events in 18 states. Professional Anglers Association becomes a partner.
2003 – C.A.S.T. hosts 35 fishing events in 20 states. C.A.S.T. is accepted as a National Combined Fund Drive member through Children’s Charities of America.
2005 – C.A.S.T hosts 37 events. California Departments of Water Resources, Fish & Game, Parks & Recreation, and Boating & Waterways become newest official partners.
2008 – C.A.S.T. hosts 53 events in 23 states, adding new events in Washington D.C. & Pennsylvania.
The Foundation receives grant support from the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation. C.A.S.T. partners with University of Washington Sociology Department to establish a comprehensive program evaluation.
2009 –C.A.S.T. hosts 54 events in 22 states, adding events in New York and Wisconsin. The Foundation hosts events in conjunction with the FLW Tournament Series and the Professional Anglers Association.
2011 – C.A.S.T. launches the Take a Warrior Fishing program, hosting its first event at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state.
2015 – Jim Owens, Founder, and Executive Director Retires after 24 years. Jay Yelas named new Executive Director.
2017 – C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation is growing! We held 64 events; the most in the history of the Foundation.
2019 – C.A.S.T. continues growing, we held 75 events in 23 states, a record high!
2020 – C.AS.T. partners with B.A.S.S. on the inaugural C.A.S.T. for Kids B.A.S.S. Humanitarian Award, presented on stage at the 2020 Bassmaster Classic.
2021 – C.A.S.T. celebrates 30 years of creating fishing memories across the nation.
2023 – The growth continues, C.A.S.T. holds 94 events nationwide, an all-time high.
