Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Ryan McGill
On Friday, October 11, thirty-eight special needs students from across Walker County gathered at Walker County Lake for the area’s annual “CAST for Kids” fishing event.
CAST For Kids is not just about fishing; it’s about empowerment, unity, and spreading the message that those with special needs can accomplish anything they set their minds to.
The event is organized by the CAST for Kids Foundation, an organization that seeks to enrich the lives of children with special needs, support their families, and strengthen communities through the sport of fishing. CAST stands for “Catch A Special Thrill,” and the foundation has been doing just that since its formation in 1991.
The program provides children with special needs, aged 6 to 18, and their caretakers with a day of fishing they might not have the chance to experience otherwise. The event is a fun experience that offers a refreshing break from the daily challenges these children and their families face.
“The CAST For Kids Foundation will put on approximately 98 events across the United States this year. This event in Walker County has been going on for nine years; it would be our tenth if not for the pandemic year. We started out having this annual event at Smith Lake Dam but moved it here to Walker County Lake in recent years,” said CAST For Kids Eastern Regional Director Jeff Barnes. “Event coordinators like Bobby Hand here in Walker County are instrumental in organizing all the people who make these events happen successfully and create a day of excitement for these kids.”
CAST For Kids events are made possible through the generous support of national and local sponsors who are committed to positively impacting the lives of these extraordinary children and, in turn, strengthening their communities. WL
Sponsors of this year’s event include: The Walker Area Community Foundation, The Walker County Farmer’s Federation, High Point Furniture, Kiwanis Club of Jasper, Alabama Power, Five Loaves Bakery and Cafe, Spire, American Sport Fish, Woodmen Life, Brooks Insurance Group – Powered by Allstate, Central Alabama Rodders Society, ERA Byars Realty, Carl Cannon Chevrolet Buick GMC, Lavish Boutique, Niki’s West, The Daily Mountain Eagle, Warehouse 3Nineteen, Norris Plumbing and Gas, Pat’s Archery and Outdoors, Manchester Auto Parts, Black Rock Bistro, Ridgeview and Ridgewood Health Services, Son’s Supermarket, Southern Tire Mart, Regional Paramedical Services, Mark’s Automotive, Synovus, Adventurous Beginnings Child Care, Drummond Company, Inc., Take Me Outdoors, Tri County Air Systems, Kilgore-Green Funeral Home, Lake League, Greg Williams, Logan’s General Store, Jasper Discount Auto Parts, Wesley Eye Care, Zebco, Flambeau Outdoors, and Monster Spirit.