We are having fun at C.A.S.T. for Kids! A Note from Eastern Regional Director, Jeff Barnes
2024 Eastern Region C.A.S.T. for Kids events are off and running! I have been on the road 7 out of the last 9 weeks traveling to events, sometimes making it to two events in a week. If you haven’t seen one of our two new C.A.S.T. for Kids Van’s please be on the lookout. I have traveled to or through 21 different states since March and have been able to meet many awesome kids and their families as well as some great volunteers! Headed back to Indiana again this week!
One thing that has stood out at all of the events that I have been able to attend this year is the great care all of the volunteers give to make the C.A.S.T. for Kids events they attend special for the kids. A lot of planning goes into each event, and the volunteers arriving early and preparing for the kids is so important. Providing extra activities for the kids and their families is always a welcome addition to each event. I have seen snow cone booths, fun games of all kinds, face painting booths, arts and crafts, fish aquariums where kids are able to observe and see the fish caught at an event, even a petting zoo! We are so thankful for the volunteers that help provide these activities for the kids, if any of you are reading this, thank you!
There have been some amazing fish catches already this year! Our boater and shore volunteer fishing buddies have been awesome as always, being patient with the kids they help fish at our events, and sharing their fishing secrets. Some of these folks have traveled or pulled a boat over 4 hours to come assist the events, how awesome is that! A special thanks to everyone who has helped put smiles on these kids faces. It is great to see the kids leave each event with their new Zebco rod and reel, Flambeau tackle box and the desire to get out and try fishing again with some of the fishing tips and knowledge learned from their fishing buddy at the event. Thanks again to all of those who help make this happen each week at C.A.S.T. for Kids events, you are truly making an impact and helping change lives.
Finally, I would like to thank the wonderful Coordinators who, without their hard work and planning, none of the events would happen. It has been great working with all of you. I hope that all of you know how big the impact is that you are making happen in your community. All of you are truly AMAZING!
If anyone reading this would like to get involved, please reach out to us at www.castforkids.org We would love to hear from you and answer any questions that you have. Please consider bringing an event to your community for some awesome kids and their families.
Jeff Barnes, Eastern Regional Director
