On Saturday, the Grayson County community will once again come together in support of children with special needs.
Spurred and organized by three rising Grayson County High School seniors, Noah Bullock, Luke Henderson and Ryan Johnson, the C.A.S.T for Kids fishing event will take place Saturday morning at Beville Park from 8:30 until Noon. This is the second year of the event in Leitchfield, and is being held in honor of 18-year-old Jacob Garland, who passed away in February.
Displaying the affection citizens of the county have for children with special needs, C.A.S.T. for Kids is only one of several events in Grayson County that cater to people with special needs. Organized by Donna VanMeter (along with a multitude of “assistants”), a special needs prom is held yearly at Potter’s Hope Ministries. That event has grown from fewer than 30 participants only a few years ago to well over 100 attendees at the most recent prom in April.
Additionally, VanMeter organizes a fall event, last October it was the highly successful “Disco Night,” and tentatively scheduled for October 2018 is a special needs carnival-themed event. And every year VanMeter organizes a Christmas party, dubbed “Holiday Happening.”
Also focusing on special needs children and adults alike is Wings on a Prayer, a Grayson County riding stable that offers the opportunity to ride and interact with horses, an experience that brings great joy and a sense of purpose to those who participate.
C.A.S.T. (Catch a Special Thrill) for Kids originated in Leitchfield after Noah, Luke and Ryan decided they wanted to give back to Grayson County.
“We just figured we wanted to do something to help our community, and we thought we’d do something that we like to do, which is fish,” Luke said.
The event offers children the opportunity to experience the thrill of catching fish, which in turn warms the hearts of the organizers.
“It’s just awesome seeing the looks on the children’s faces when they catch a fish,” Luke said. “But even when they aren’t catching fish, they were having a lot of fun.”
Which is the purpose of all of the special needs events in Grayson County — a chance for those who don’t normally have occasion to enjoy what many people take for granted. In addition to being paired with a fishing coach, the children enjoy breakfast, music, displays, facing-painting, balloon animals, treats, and prizes throughout the course of the morning.
Luke said he, Ryan and Noah chose to honor their former classmate, Jacob Garland, with this year’s event because last year at C.A.S.T. for Kids Jacob had such a wonderful time.
Luke said the event, which last year boasted over 100 volunteers, would not be possible without the cooperation of Kentucky Fish & Wildlife officials, and the city of Leitchfield. Both entities have never failed to provide whatever the three young men have requested (it’s Fish & Wildlife personnel who stock the pond at Beville Park for the event).
Luke also wanted to thank his parents, along with Ryan and Noah’s parents, for their unrivaled support in the endeavor. Furthermore, Luke is appreciative of the many sponsors who donate items to the event, for without their support and assistance, the happening would not be nearly as successful as it has proved to be.
Of course, all three young men will matriculate to college soon, potentially leaving an organizational void regarding the C.A.S.T. for Kids event, but Luke did not hesitate when asked if he, Ryan and Noah will continue to help organize and participate in the event.
“I’m going to try and do it every year … we’re gonna stay with it,” Luke said.
(Headline photo: left to right — Noah Bullock, Luke Henderson, Ryan Johnson)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com or 270-259-6000
