Fishing for Kids is one of several “at play” events that Variety coordinates to offer our families an opportunity to do something that they would otherwise not get the chance to do due to financial or logistical barriers. (Credit: Variety)
On Saturday, June 22, Variety the Children’s Charity of the Delaware Valley (Variety or colloquially formerly known as Variety Club) participated in a special event in Ocean City, NJ called Fishing for Kids.
Fishing boat owners, who are members of the Ocean City Yacht Club and Ocean City Marlin and Tuna Club, have hosted this event since 1994, missing just three years. Each year, they recruit members to lend their time, boats and fishing sills to host one or two families per boat, and support not only Variety Club, but also Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the Challenger League of Horsham, a little league for kids with disabilities.
There are generally about 25 fishing boats that participate, ranging from a 50-foot sportfishing boat to 21-foot center consoles.
During the morning, families fished on one of these private boats and capped off the day with a BBQ lunch at the Ocean City Yacht Club. This year, there were about 130 people who participated, with half being Variety families.
This event provides a unique opportunity for the children with disabilities, including those Variety serves, to go on a private fishing boat and fish perhaps for the first time – all for free – and without judgment. It is also a way for the members of both clubs to give back a little of the enormous, good fortune that they have been blessed with and create lasting memories for members of the disability community. The day truly is a win-win for all.
From a Variety perspective, Fishing for Kids is one of several “at play” events that Variety coordinates to offer our families an opportunity to do something that they would otherwise not get the chance to do due to financial or logistical barriers.
This article appears courtesy of a content share agreement between North Penn Now and The Reporter. To read more stories like this, visit www.thereporteronline.com.
