Take-A-Kid Fishing Day occurred on Saturday, August 9 th for children living at the Homeless Family Center. The children were transported to the Barber Bridge Catwalk for an exciting day of fishing planned by numerous volunteers in the local area. The following provided donations of supplies, food, transportation, and time:
Donna Maness: Take-A-Kid Fishing Day Coordinator
Adeline Dozis: Homeless Family Center Intern
Community Church of Vero Beach: Bus Transportation
Bob Oakley: Bus Driver
Lee Simmons: Sponsor
David Hunter, of Bill Bryant & Assoc., Inc.: Sponsor
Tina Beard of Nylacarb Corp.: Sponsor
Dan Beard of HBS, Inc.: Donated Live Bait
Alicia Center of Dr. Neil Heskel: Provided Skin Care Products
Beth Hapalya of Ocean Oaks Dental Group: Donated Toothpaste for HFC
Ginny Piech Street: Donated hand painted trophies specially made for this event.
Jackie Ledward of Beef'O'Brady's in Sebastian: Donated Food
Brenda LaMarca of Treasure Coast Travel: Donated Food
Betty and Dave Hunter: Provided Pretzel Fishing Poles and Coordinated Preparation of Lunch Bags
Jessica Williams: Assisted with lunch.
Martha Gorman: Provided a Birthday Cake for three children who celebrated their birthdays.
Koren Mathers: Donated Beverages
The Sebastian Fishing Chicks: Donated fruit, cookies, and $15 Wal*Mart gift cards to each child.
Members of the Sebastian Fishing Chicks include Michelle Barkley, Jackie Ledward, Pam Bowen, Nan Burke, Janet White, Barb Chilberg, and Kelly Thomas.
Michael Barkley: Demonstrated a fishing lesson for the children.
Fishing Chaperones were Woody Roehm & Doug Palas (Ironside Press); Ted Weeks (Dodgertown) and Margot Joiner).
The day was extremely exciting for the children. Everyone learned how to bait and cast his or her fishing lines. After much patience, the children began catching fish. Trophies were presented to Kevin Jr. for catching The Biggest Fish and The Most Fish with a total of 17. Latisha was awarded the Smallest Fish Trophy, Heather won the Most Unusual Fish Caught trophy and Quinn won the Best Casting Trophy.
This was truly a community event that changed the lives of many children. The Homeless Family Center is appreciative to the sponsors and individuals for making a positive difference in the lives of homeless children on the Treasure Coast.