Tuesday, September 10, 2024
The Catch a Special Thrill Foundation (C.A.S.T.) is thrilled to announce a special event at True Grit Ranch in Granbury, scheduled for Oct.12, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event promises a memorable day of fishing, fun and celebration for children with special needs.
Eric Sullivan, a Texas Farm Bureau Agent in Acton, and his wife Tracy, an administrative assistant for The Thomas Group in Granbury, have been instrumental in expanding the program locally.
“Our real goal in the foundation is maybe the kids will start pestering their parents to say, ‘Can we go to the pond?’” said Jim Behnken, program director for the Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation. “Nothing beats family time and the outdoors. Hopefully, we’ll see these kids fishing with their families on their local pond next week.”
A SIMPLE INVITATION
Behnken, a former fishing guide and tournament bass fisherman, brought Eric Sullivan into the program four years ago when the previous coordinators moved away.
“You’re a fishing guy; you can probably help find some boaters!” Behnken remarked.
Sullivan agreed to help, initially believing his role would be limited to coordinating boaters and handling merchandise. However, he soon found himself deeply connected with the special children participating in the program, who quickly captured his heart.
FISHING FOR KIDS
Tracy Sullivan shared that in the fall of 2021, about 18 kids attended the Lake Granbury event. It was here that Eric Sullivan met coach Deidra Zschiesche, the PE/Adapted PE teacher at STEAM Academy at Mambrino Elementary School in Granbury. She approached him and said, “We have about 50 special needs kids at our school. Would you consider making this a school field trip for them in the spring?”
He was thrilled at the idea of reaching more kids. “I was super excited but didn’t believe there would be any way possible the school district would approve it,” Eric Sullivan admitted. Following the mantra, “all we can do is ask,” they made the request.
To their surprise, the school district approved the field trip.
In April 2022, the school showed up with 58 special needs kids, along with partner helpers, teachers and parents — close to 200 people.
“We were not prepared, but we prayed and knew God would work out the details,” Eric Sullivan recalled. With only about 17 boaters signed up online, he worried they would be short-handed, not to mention the weather. “I was extremely nervous as the buses arrived and the wind picked up,” he said.
BOATERS TO THE RESCUE
“Granbury is an amazing place to live. It’s a huge boating community,” Tracy Sullivan said. “It is an extremely giving community of people who care about kids and lake life. And our local boaters just kept coming that day. They heard the call, and it was like loaves and fishes. They just kept multiplying.”
Despite being unprepared and disorganized, the day turned out beautifully, with kids all smiles and adults in tears of joy, especially Zschiesche and Behnken. They broke the Texas record for the most kids in 30 years at a C.A.S.T. event that day.
PLANNING FOR MORE
Zschiesche informed the Sullivans before Christmas 2022 that nearly 70 kids had signed up for the 2023 event.
At a cost of roughly $150 per participant, the Sullivans realized they needed a bigger team for fundraising and organization. Determined, they gathered key people, raised funds and sought donations from everyone they knew.
The students and teachers at Mambrino Elementary School organized a kickball tournament called “We Kick for Kids,” raising $1,700. This fundraiser was one of many efforts that contributed to their success. C.A.S.T for Kids had so many sponsors for the April 2023 event that they almost didn’t fit on the sponsor T-shirts.
Calls for boaters went out locally and on social media, attracting participants from surrounding counties and as far as Wichita Falls. They connected with a local boater, David Timm who spread the word on social media. The response was overwhelming, with over 50 boaters and 50 volunteers showing up.
The 2023 event was record-breaking, with 65 kids, plus partner kids, teachers and parents totaling almost 400 people. The day was beyond their wildest dreams, filled with community support and joy.
THE FOUNDING
Founded in 1991 and becoming an official 501(c)(3) organization in 1994, the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation connects children with special needs and volunteers through fishing, fostering a sense of achievement and community.
Jay Yelas, executive director of C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation, has been pivotal in the organization since 2015. Yelas, a well-known figure in professional bass fishing, retired in 2022 to dedicate himself full-time to the foundation. “My passion for people and for sharing the great sport of fishing with others, especially with children, is why I love C.A.S.T. for Kids. Amazing things happen at our events when so many good-hearted people volunteer to pour their love out on these children,” said Yelas.
This year’s May event at DeCordova Bend Park brought in 75 kids, breaking the C.A.S.T. record.
LOOKING AHEAD
The Sullivans are passionate about making the event accessible to more children. Recognizing the challenges and expenses volunteer boaters faced, they added a second event at True Grit Ranch. Children with special needs have the opportunity to experience the joy of fishing.
Participants age 6 and older will be paired with experienced volunteer anglers and equipped with a fishing rod, reel, tackle box, T-shirt and hat. The local Farm Bureau agency often provides meals for the kids and volunteers, adding to the overall experience.
“This October event at True Grit Ranch will be more about catching fish rather than just fishing,” Eric Sullivan explained. “The kids will be baiting hooks and catching fish all day, which will be much more engaging for them.”
AMAZING VOLUNTEERS
Eric and Tracy Sullivan are truly grateful for the dedication and love of a remarkable group of volunteers. Their selfless work not only creates memorable experiences for the children they serve at the Catch a Special Thrill events in Granbury, but also enriches the entire community.
M.J. and John Lamoreaux are at the heart of C.A.S.T events. Their unwavering support and willingness to tackle any task ensures everything runs smoothly. They are the unsung heroes, working behind the scenes to keep everything afloat and provide much-needed stability to the team.
Zschiesche is the heartbeat of these events. Her deep connection with every child and her visionary idea to turn the event into a field trip have made it possible for 75 kids to participate.
Behnken brings his expertise, heart and soul to every event. His commitment goes beyond his role; he is a friend and practically family to the team, infusing every event with warmth and dedication.
Jacque Gordon, a local Keller Williams Realtor, and her husband David, have been instrumental in supporting C.A.S.T. fundraising efforts. Their generous donations of time and money reflect their deep love for the community and its children.
Timm, a local fisherman, has been a game-changer in the quest to find boaters. His social media prowess has brought in over 50 local boaters and significant fundraising support. Through his connections, the team has also partnered with S.L.I.K. Bait Nation, which sends boxes of bait and gifts for the kids from fishing enthusiasts nationwide.
Deatra Harper of Promotions n' Motion has been invaluable with her promotional expertise. Her generous gift of items and discounts and her willingness to accommodate myriad needs and ideas make her a cherished partner in these efforts.
Jessica Behnken handles operations for the Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation. Her readiness to assist with any request ensures the events run seamlessly, no matter how unconventional the demands.
Lastly, Rebecca Mabe, managing director of the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation, is the glue that holds everything together. Her meticulous financial management and organizational skills keep everything in line.
NOT JUST FOR LOCAL KIDS
The C.A.S.T. for Kids program has received overwhelming support from the community, including local businesses and organizations. Texas Farm Bureau has been a significant supporter as a title sponsor, providing funding and volunteers for the events.
One of the event’s highlights is the human tunnel created by student volunteers to welcome the kids back from their fishing trip. “Seeing the kids run through that tunnel, greeted by cheers and high-fives, is the most special part for me,” Tracy Sullivan shared. “It’s a moment that brings tears to many eyes, including my own.”
The upcoming event Oct. 12 is open to children from Hood County, Somervell County, and those from outside the area. The Sullivans hope this will encourage more families to get involved and bring their children.
“We want to make sure every child has the opportunity to participate,” said Eric Sullivan. “Our goal is to create an inclusive environment where these kids can have fun and make lasting memories.”
Visit the organization’s website for more information about the Catch a Special Thrill program for kids and to register for the October event. The Sullivans are looking forward to another successful event and to continuing to expand the program in the years to come.
In 2022, the foundation reached an all-time high with 79 events and over $1 million in support. This success reflects the growing recognition and support for its mission to enrich the lives of children with special needs through fishing.
Registration is open for those interested in participating in the Granbury event for both children and volunteers.
Parents and guardians can register their children here: https://castforkids.jotform.com/team/2024-event-forms/lake-granbury-tgr-child-reg.
Volunteers can sign up here: https://castforkids.jotform.com/team/2024-event-forms/lake-granbury-tgr-shore-volreg.
The event will run from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and promises a day filled with fun, learning and community spirit. For more information, contact event coordinators Eric Sullivan at 817-894-4115 or Tracy Sullivan at 817-219-4488.
