Even strong winds couldn’t blow away the excitement around the Adult Day Health Center fishing trip sponsored by Diamond Jacks.
Clients, bundled in jackets against the cold, reveled in the sunshine and held their poles steady at the Cross Lake pier.
Regular volunteer Bill Richards, a waiter at DiamondJacks’ steakhouse, coordinated the effort. Clients told him about an annual fishing trip they used to take and how they wanted to bring it back.
“They enjoy being at the Center but they never get to do stuff like this,” Richards said. “They’re having a great time.”
The Center serves the elderly and people with disabilities, who cannot stay at home by themselves. Even though many have supportive families, their conditions often limit their activity.
Richards brought the idea to the community service arm of the casino, and they were happy to help, even providing a picnic lunch.
One client Michael, had on gloves and a blanket draped over his wheelchair, but he couldn’t stop smiling. Since he had a stroke, he has not had many chances to fish.
While the weather meant the fish weren’t biting, nurse Sherri Burleigh was grateful for the opportunity.
“They love to fish. They love to get out.”