Press and Testimonials
Please read these amazing testimonials from previous events
September 13, 2020
From a mom of one of the participants-
(Sheri) said “oh my gosh! We did have a lot of fun yesterday and I wish we would’ve been able to come other years but it’s so hard we are always either camping or Mason has soccer games and we’re so glad it was able to finally work out this year. His wife (Barb) ended up stopping to talk to us when we were packing up the van. Everyone was so nice and so helpful. I know Mason wants to build a pond in the backyard just like what they have. Mason Josh and Blake enjoy fishing so much. I enjoy watching them Fish and I think that Tyler and Ethan do too they just like being outside and watching people. Tyler has always been a people watcher.
May 21, 2018
We truly can’t thank you and your group enough for the wonderful experience yesterday. I’m so sorry that not everyone was able to come as expected after you went through all the preparations and had extra volunteers to accommodate our anticipated large group. I know the more medically involved VIPs who needed to stay out of the cold were disappointed to miss out on fishing with all of you. However, for the ten who were still able to come, it was once again an event to remember! The pride and joy on their faces was such a gift for all of us to see!
They all truly enjoyed themselves and each had their own special moments that I’m confident will stick with them for a long time to come. I know most of your volunteers only see them in this environment, but I can tell you when they’re outside learning new skills with your foundation, they shine in a way we’re rarely able to replicate with our regular activities. There were a few friends’ experiences that really stuck out to me that I wanted to share with you:
Our friend Jon has come so far over these past three derbies! As you may remember, he wanted to ride in the boat the first year but was terrified of both the life jacket and the boat. Once we got him safely in, he sat on the floor of the boat, clutching tightly to the sides the entire time. Last year he actually sat on one of the boat benches. This year, he not only comfortably sat in the boat but he reached for the oars and was learning to row!!! He loved it! In terms of fishing, he enjoyed it for a bit the first year but then had to be distracted with play-doh and other activities to make it through the afternoon. Yesterday he was the last VIP to stop fishing! I think he would have stood there catching fish all night!
Our sweet, shy friend [name withheld] was another who stood out to me. As I think you know, her dad drove all the way down from an event up north just to get her back to the derby. Too much stimulation very quickly becomes overwhelming for our girl and she often seeks quiet, calm solitude away from others. After a lot of gentle persuasion she was eventually convinced to try fishing again this year. It takes a lot of courage on her part to go outside with all those people and new sensations. Thanks to some creative maneuvering on the part of one of your fishermen, there was a fish already on the hook waiting for her. As such, she had immediate success before she could retreat. The joy on her face when she brought the fish in was indescribable. She actually jumped up and down and clapped for herself! Not only that, but she looked around to be sure the rest of us were clapping for her as well! For a gentle soul who typically needs calm quiet, this was huge!!!! Such a blessing!
The last friend who really stuck out to me was Josh. This gentle teenager had no success the past two derbies and was adamant that he would not be fishing yesterday. He was going to dig for buried treasure in the sand and watch the water but informed me he was absolutely not trying fishing! He was certain he wouldn’t catch a thing anyway so didn’t want to try. We persuaded him to try and again with the creative help of one of your volunteers, he had immediate success. He continued on to catch a few more. When he caught the first one, he gave a smile, a full genuine smile. This kiddo rarely outwardly expresses physical demonstrations of joy at Buddy Break. His smile was the best sight to see!
We all had such a fantastic afternoon. With the rain stopping right at noon, it felt like God was smiling down on us. The VIPs loved the whole experience and their parents were delighted to see their kids enjoying themselves in this manner. Our volunteers had a great time as well. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you.
Sincerely,
Julie Luther and the Hales Corners Lutheran Special Needs Ministry Team
Please read this touching story from the Racine Journal Times.
Kudos to Parks and Rec for youth fishing day
Racine Journal Times
June 24, 2015
I would like to thank the Parks and Recreation program for the youth fishing day they offered in partnership with the M.A. Dailey Foundation. My son and I went to the first fishing day offered in June and we had a great time. The weather was great, the volunteers were great and my son finally caught his first fish, after numerous fishing trips with family in the past and never catching anything.
This experience sparked a new passion in fishing for him. He has been begging since we left to go again, he didn’t want to leave that day. But the greatest part of the experience was his volunteer. His name was Matt. I would like to thank him on behalf of my son Brayden. You found a friend for life and new fishing buddy. Your help and time were greatly appreciated. Thank you. I encourage everyone to sign up for this program offered. You’ll have a great time. I know we did and will remember for years to come.
Amy Burgher
Racine