On Saturday, October 30th, The Exchange Club of Sebastian held its Junior Blue Water Open Kids Fishing Day at the Sebastian city docks at Riverview Park.
The event was an opportunity for Sebastian Exchange Club to give back to the community and promote the sport of fishing to children who otherwise may not get a chance to fish.
Forty-four youngsters participated, predominately kids from the Boys & Girls Club of Indian River County, the Hart and Soul Foundation, and the Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy in Vero Beach.
The kids all received a rod, reel, t-shirt, three hours of supervised fishing in the Indian River Lagoon, a BBQ lunch provided by Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Sebastian, cookies provided by Capt Hirams Resort, and drinks supplied by McDonald’s.
Many of these kids had never fished before. The weather was perfect, and the fish were plentiful. There were approximately 50-60 fish caught, ranging in size from 1.6 ounces to 1.3 pounds. All fish were released back into the Indian River Lagoon to fight another day.
The Sebastian Police Department C.O.P.E. unit provided snow cones & popcorn, and face painting was available compliments of the Boys & Girls Club. Trophies were awarded following lunch.
The Junior Blue Water Open Kids Fishing Day is one of the many ways The Sebastian Exchange Club gives back to the community. The Exchange Club of Sebastian raises money through its Blue Water Open Charity Offshore Fishing Tournament. These funds provide the opportunity for the Exchange Club to donate to many non-profits such as:
- The Boys & Girls Club
- Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy
- Nana’s Children’s Home
- Guardians For New Futures
- Night to Shine
- The American Security Council
- Ecumenical Food Pantry
The Sebastian Exchange Club also honors students during the school year and offers scholarships for graduating seniors.
If you are interested in learning more about the Exchange Club of Sebastian, consider attending a luncheon meeting any Wednesday, except the first Wednesday of each month, at noon at Capt. Hiram’s Resort Tiffany Room or visit their Facebook page Exchange Club of Sebastian FL.
