Agency Details:

C.A.S.T. For Kids Foundation

To provide disabled and disadvantaged children the opportunity to enjoy a quality outdoor recreational experience through the sport of fishing.

Description:
Catch A Special Thrill (C.A.S.T.) for Kids is a national non-profit organization founded in 1991 to join volunteers who love to fish, with disabled and disadvantaged children for a day of fishing and fun. C.A.S.T. for Kids Events are designed to create an opportunity whereby children, ages 6 – 18, and adults can both benefit, sharing a day of fun on the water in a Least Restrictive Environment where children of all means can find success in an outdoor activity.
Young anglers are hosted at a local site and supplied with fishing rods & reels, a t-shirt, hat, and tackle box. Partnered with an experienced volunteer angler and accompanied by a parent or caretaker, participants are escorted on to a motorized boat and spend a morning on the water where they are shown proper techniques of fishing and educated on boating safety and natural resources.
They all then return from their morning fishing excursion to BBQ lunch and an awards ceremony where all participants receive a plaque to commemorate their adventure. It is our goal to encourage continued participation in fishing by developing skills in the children along with their parents and to increase the awareness of all participants, parents, sportsmen, and volunteers to the capabilities of children with disabilities, in effect strengthening local communities.

History:
The Foundation's History in Brief
1991 – First C.A.S.T. event held at Banks Lake in Eastern Washington in partnership with the Bureau of Reclamation.
1992 – Events were added in Eastern and Western Washington, and Idaho.
1993 – C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation established.
1996 – Bureau of Land Management becomes a partner. Fishing Kids Events are established.
1998 – U.S. Army Corp of Engineers becomes a partner. Fishing Kids Events received sponsorship from Washington State Fish and Wildlife Department.
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. hosted 32 events in 18 states. Professional Anglers Association becomes a partner.
2003 – C.A.S.T. hosted 35 fishing events in 20 states and is accepted as a National Combined Federal Government Giving Campaign Member.
2005 – C.A.S.T hosted 37 events. California Departments of Water Resources, Fish & Game, Parks & Recreation, and Boating & Waterways become newest official partners.
2006 – C.A.S.T hosted 41 events, adding new events in Rhode Island and Virginia.
2007 – C.A.S.T. hosted 53 events in 23 states.

Contact people:

Ashley Kaiser, (phone), (email) Jim Owens, Executive Director, (email)

Main office number: (425) 251-3202
Office fax number: (425) 251-3272

Address:

227 SW 41st Street Renton, WA 98057 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.castforkids.org

Miscellaneous Information

Liability
	Yes
Does your organization welcome court-ordered community service volunteers?
	No
Does your organization have volunteer positions for youth 12-18?
	Yes

Last updated on November 19, 2009