News Release Archive

C.A.S.T. for Kids Event Scheduled in Yakima

Media Contact: John Redding, (208) 378-5212, jredding@usbr.gov
Chris Humphries, chumphries@usbr.gov

For Release: June 12, 2009

Children with a wide range of disabilities will have the opportunity to reel in a good time as they join some enthusiastic volunteers during the C.A.S.T. for Kids event scheduled for Saturday, June 20, at Sarg Hubbard Pond, located in Yakima, Wash.

C.A.S.T., which stands for "Catch a Special Thrill," offers children with disabilities and terminal illnesses an opportunity to enjoy a day of fishing at Sarg Hubbard Pond.

"This will be a first experience fishing for some of these kids," said Chris Humphries of the Bureau of Reclamation's Columbia-Cascades Area Office. "This is also a great opportunity for volunteers to be part of a special experience that these children will remember for a lifetime."

Children range in age from 7-16 years old, many have a variety of physical or developmental disabilities and some may suffer with terminal illnesses. Each participant will receive fishing gear, a tee shirt, and a hat, Humphries said.

Volunteers from the Ft. Simcoe Job Corps Center, Carpenter Local Union #770, Reclamation, and others will serve as fishing buddies and offer assistance to the novice anglers. Reclamation volunteers will also provide a barbecue lunch following the event for the participants.

Partners include: C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation, Bureau of Reclamation, Children's Village, Ft. Simcoe Job Corps Center, Starbucks Coffee Company, Valley Septic, Culligan Water Softener, McDonalds, Pepsi, Yakama Nation Legends Casino, and TreeTop, Inc.

For more background information about the program, contact Shari Kohlbecker at Bureau of Reclamation, Suite 100, 1150 North Curtis Road, Boise ID 83706-1234, or (208) 378-5050.

For information about the June 20 event, contact Chris Humphries, Columbia-Cascades Area Office (509) 575-5848, Ext. 246. In the event of rain the C.A.S.T. event will be canceled.

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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.