News Release Archive

C.A.S.T. for Kids Event Scheduled at Millerton Lake

Media Contact: Jeffrey McCracken, 916-978-5100, jmccracken@mp.usbr.gov

For Release: September 07, 2006

The Bureau of Reclamation's South-Central California Area Office (SCCAO), in cooperation with the national C.A.S.T. (Catch A Special Thrill) for Kids Foundation, will host its sixth annual C.A.S.T for Kids event on Saturday, September 9, 2006, from 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Grange Grove Pavilion in the California State ParksMillerton Lake State Recreation Area in Friant, CA. The Foundation wants to increase awareness of the capabilities of children with disabilities and encourage communities to provide disabled/disadvantaged children with quality outdoor recreational experiences. The event will team boaters, 26 sponsoring agencies, and volunteers with some 30 returning C.A.S.T. for Kids participants and 40 youths selected from the Make-A-Wish Foundation of South San Joaquin Valley, Fresno County Department of Children and Family Services, the San Joaquin River Intertribal Heritage Educational Corporation, the Sierra Tribal Consortium, Inc., the Students Targeted with Opportunities for Prevention (S.T.O.P.) program.

The day will begin with a pancake breakfast sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Old Town Clovis. The 40 pre-registered children will then receive free fishing gear, a T-shirt, and a hat before taking off for their boating and fishing experience at Millerton Lake. The Fresno Bass Club, Kerman Bass Club, Sierra Bass Club, the California Striped Bass Association, Fresno Fishermen Helpers, and several individual boaters are donating the use of their boats and time to teach the children about fishing and boating. While the children are on the lake, their family, friends, caregivers, returning Alumni Kids, volunteers, and guests will be able to participate in some 20 recreational and natural resource activities onshore. The Fresno County Economic Opportunities Commission is providing on-site transportation.

In addition to more than 20 local area contributors, Reclamation partnered with Children's Hospital Central California, J's Communications, Birds of Prey, Sierra Endangered Cat Haven, Blue Cross State Sponsored Business, Mountain Toppers 4-Wheel Drive Club, Pirates of the Triton, Clovis Police Department D.A.R.E. Program, RiverTree Volunteers, Sierra Foothill Conservancy, US Forest Service, US Coast Guard, La Petite Academy, Fresno County Sheriff's Department, and the California Departments of Water Resources, Forestry, and Fish and Game to make this community event a success.

Younger guests will be treated to a visit by Otto the Otter and Kaiko the Clown. Lunch will be hosted by the San Joaquin River Exchange Contractors Water Authority and the Los Banos Future Farmers of America. The day will end with closing ceremonies and an awards presentation. The Fresno High School JROTC, Dance Empowerment, and Break the Barriers will participate in the ceremony.

Those interested in participating in the on-shore activities should contact Ms. Valerie Curley, SCCAO, at 559-487-5255 or e-mail vcurley@mp.usbr.gov. Information about the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation can be found at www.castforkids.org.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.

Relevant Link:

Cast For Kids Website