Why Giving Tuesday Matters!
We all have the opportunity to jump in and support Giving Tuesday 2023. The possibilities are endless when we all come together. I am proud that we unite for the mission of C.A.S.T. for Kids … enriching the lives of children with special needs, supporting their families, and strengthening communities through the sport of fishing.
I can confidently promise that your financial gifts will make an impact, because of the impact we made together this year. As I reflect back on what we accomplished together, these moments come to mind …
- When asked at an awards ceremony if they would come back next year, a child responded by saying “absolutely, if my health is good next year”,
- Parents drove 8 hours one way for their children to participate in an event,
- Coordinators and volunteers carried fishing supplies through the streets of NYC to host a couple of events at Central Park Pond,
- A special guest participant who received the first award of his 65 years of living at our awards ceremony,
- Countless families who believe that by supporting C.A.S.T. for Kids the memories of their loved ones are honored and celebrated,
- Event coordinators that have faithfully served their community by hosting events 5, 10, 15, even 20 years!
- Our participants who give back to the Foundation by collecting aluminum cans, donating artwork for auctions, and by serving at events,
- A participant overcoming a 7 year fear of getting on a boat and having the time of her life on the ride,
- The children that teach us all what unconditional love is by cheering for everyone and acknowledging everyone as their best friends,
- The first time coordinators who jump in head first to give their community an event where everyone is welcome and included,
- The parents that we meet who remind us what love in action looks like,
- The loose change given to support our mission to the corporate dollars – all resulting in the smiles of amazing children,
- Parents discovering a new family hobby of fishing where the entire family can participate and have fun,
- The photos of bedroom walls where our participants hang their award plaques,
- and so many more!
As I look back through this year, I am more convinced that the greatest work that C.A.S.T. does is the third part of our mission statement – strengthening communities. We come alongside amazing community members to host incredible, fun, safe adaptable fishing events where not only is the joy of fishing shared, but celebration happens. We are all reminded of the beauty of living the life we have been given and that true kindness and compassion exists in this world.
I am proud to serve the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation, and I am honored to share the countless stories of hope, joy, encouragement, and celebration. My role is often found behind the scenes ensuring that all the gears are turning to provide safe, secure events throughout the country. But these events don’t happen without you – your time, your participation, your ‘spreading the word’, your financial gifts, your resources, and your smiles. Thank you!
Together, let’s make this Giving Tuesday one for the record books as we prepare for an amazing 2024 C.A.S.T. for Kids event season of over 100 events across the country!
Let’s share the joy of fishing together,
Rebecca Mabe, COO
