ABOUT
C.A.S.T. FOR KIDS
The C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation enriches the lives of children with special needs, supports their families and strengthens communities through the sport of fishing. They empower families and communities to celebrate children with special needs, making these children feel valued and loved so they can overcome limitations and be successful.
The C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation (C.A.S.T. = Catch A Special Thrill) is a public charity that was formed in 1991 to join volunteers who love to fish with children who have special needs and disadvantages for a day of fishing in the outdoors. The Foundation became an official 501(c)3 in 1994 and currently hosts three programs: C.A.S.T. for Kids, Fishing Kids, and Take a Warrior Fishing.
C.A.S.T. for Kids
Children with special needs (ages 6-18) and their caretakers come together with community volunteers for a fun day of fishing they may not otherwise experience. These events provide a refreshing break from their daily challenges. Spreading a positive message that kids with disabilities can accomplish anything, we include all children, despite their limitations. This is all made possible through national and local sponsors-people who want to make a big difference in the lives of kids with special needs thus strengthening their community.
Fishing Kids
In 1996, Fishing Kids was developed to introduce and engage urban youth in the sport of fishing. The Fishing Kids Program is built around the slogan, “Getting more kids fishing, more often,” and is designed to create and provide more fishing opportunities for urban youth.
Take A Warrior Fishing
Take A Warrior Fishing was established in 2011 and is designed to support military personnel and their families, specifically targeting persons assigned to Warrior Transition Commands, by creating an adaptive community-based outdoor recreation experience through the sport of fishing. The main goals of this program are to restore that disconnect by increasing family interaction, encouraging outdoor recreation, and supporting positive, social interactions that help transitioning service members rebuild connections with the civilian world.
C.A.S.T. FOR KIDS IS GROWING
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JAY YELAS
After serving the CAST for Kids Foundation for 10 years on the Board of Directors, Jay Yelas took over as Executive Director in 2015. “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.”
Yelas is a familiar name on the professional bass fishing tour. His notable accomplishments include being inducted into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame in 2020, winning the 2002 Bassmaster Classic, the 2003 B.A.S.S Angler of the Year and the 2002 and 2007 FLW Angler of the Year. Additionally, Yelas won a 2003 ESPN ESPY award in the Best Outdoor Athlete category.
Jay has been married to Jill for 28 years, and their two daughters Hannah and Bethany are both college students.