C.A.S.T.

The C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation will hold the Eighth annual C.A.S.T. for Kids event on Lake Tyler on Saturday, Oct. 14. This will be a free boating and fishing event for children with special needs.

The event is open to all children, ages 6-18, no matter their disability. Participants must pre-register online at www.castforkids.org/event/laketyler and the space is limited to the first 40 children who register.

Pro fisherman Jay Yelas, Executive Director C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation, said the C.A.S.T. (“Catch A Special Thrill”) 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 so they can overcome limitations and be successful. Through a joyful day of fishing, kids, their families, and community volunteers come together for an explosion of fun and inspiration.

The event has 2-3 hours of fishing, a lunch and an awards celebration where your child will receive a personalized plaque. The event will start at 8:30 a.m. and will end at 1 p.m. Please note a parent or guardian must be present with your child for the entirety of the event. If you are volunteering you should expect about 6-7 hours of time at event, arriving before participants, and staying after to help wrap things up. This is a day of fishing the children, families, and volunteers will never forget, Yelas said.

The C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation hosts annual fishing and boating events across America to provide children with special needs a quality outdoor recreational experience.

The C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation is in its 32nd year of celebrating children with special needs by providing free boating and fishing events for them to enjoy the outdoors. In 2023, the Foundation will hold over 95 events. You can view a complete National schedule at www.castforkids.org.

At each event, participants receive a free fishing pole, tackle box, event t-shirt, cap, award plaque, and lunch. A morning of fishing will be followed by a picnic lunch for all and awards ceremony for the kids.

Volunteer boaters will be taking the kids boating. Each child must be accompanied by a parent or guardian on the boat. If boat space allows, additional siblings and family members may be able to go boating as well. However, only participants and one parent or guardian are guaranteed to go boating at the event.

Anyone with questions about this event should contact event coordinator Joey Walker at 903-241-3882.

The C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation is recognized as a tax-exempt public charity under Section 501© (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions are deductible to the extent allowed by law.