Fishing oriented charities??

[SWMIBASSER]

What are some of the fishing oriented charities?

Not only would it be nice to support some worthy causes, it would be nice to dress out the boat just a little to bring attention to a worthy cause.

[cart7t]

CAST

see LBH for details. 

[Glenn]

Or just go to http://www.castforkids.org   

[cart7t]

Your link isn't working Glenn, try this one

http://www.castforkids.org/

[Lund Explorer]

I'm not sure if anyone here has ever had the opportunity (or the need) to visit one of the many Shriner's hospitals.  Here is a link to a webpage that shows all of the various hospitals that the Shriner's operate.

http://www.shrinershq.org/Hospitals_by_Specialty.aspx

It is well worth a little of your time to click on a hospital location near you.  If you may need their help, or know of a family that has a child that could use their help, pass along this information.  Many local Shriner's groups hold special clinics locally to help qualify children in need of help. 

And the hospitals?  They are almost beyond description.  The staff of doctors, nurses, and all of the other specialists are some of the most dedicated and caring people you could ever meet.  ALL children are treated 100% FREE OF CHARGE.  Hospital wards are segregated by age groups, with rooms dedicated for either boys or girls.  When the patients are able to, the staff has a variety of programs to help these children keep busy.  They don't just lay around, but are given the chance to stay as active as possible. They even provide for a parent to stay right in the child's room, or next door if a Dad wants to visit their daughter.

So how do I know about all of this?  Because I am a Shriner's Dad.  My daughter spent time off and on at the Chicago hospital for a number of years.  I won't go into the details, but suffice it to say, the Shriner's hospital was her only option.  They came through when so many other doctors couldn't.  These folks will always hold a speical place in my heart, and they get all of the financial support I can give them.