Opportunity, Investment, Development

News Room


2015 Field of Dreams' Kid's Fishing Day

By Press Release
June 2, 2015

Colusa, California – The Field of Dreams’ (“FOD”) Kid’s Fishing Day is like a favorite song.  We all love to see and hear it play.  Forty two disadvantaged children fishing on a reservoir and enjoying a relaxing weekend of western outdoor fun is my favorite song.

This 10th-annual event started on Friday, May 15th with a dinner banquet at Granzella’s in Williams, CA.  A best replica watches great feast was had and fishing gear was provided for all the children.  There was a special kids-only drawing for a beautiful standard poodle service dog.  Noah Donaghe won the drawing and was thrilled.  But a little girl, Angela Cortez was crying because she wanted to win and once the breeder Karen Marks heard that, a second dog was found!

Families spent Friday night at Granzella’s Inn.  The next morning after a delicious Granzella’s breakfast, with fishing rods ready, families travelled to fish on a reservoir at a family-owned cattle ranch in Stonyford, CA.  It was the perfect spot for this quick get-a-way event.

The fishing was from a handicap-accessible dock and small boats.  The morning began with 8-year old cancer survivor Taliyah, her big cousin 16-year old Kaitlyn and Uncle Bill in the boat.  They caught big bass.  Helping Taliyah or “TT” catch fish was fun but she said “I want to catch one all by myself because my brother did,” and the lake provided.  Don’t tell her brother she caught more fish.

Next up was 10-year old Jimmy Arroyave from Woodland.  His eyes were wide open fighting a big bass.  He said “Grandpa will be surprised.”

After the morning fishing, a barbeque lunch was ready back at the ranch.  The families ate and relaxed.  But not for long -- a bear showed up.  Well, CalFire brought him, his name was Smokey.  California Rock Crusher Corp. brought their Clydesdale horse-drawn wagon and the Mammola family brought ponies for the kids to ride.  Families went on tours to see the ranch and the buffalo herd.

The children have their own varying disabilities but came together to help each other overcome fishing challenges.  Albertito tells me that the kids are not disabled just “differently-abled.”  I agree and so did the fish.  Prior to the event, four Chico students (Kyle Urmanita, Dante Garaventa, Angelina Jonson and Will Cortez) took on a project to build Albertito a hand.  They brought the hand and after some fit-up, Tito caught and threw a ball for the first time!  A memorable event!

Some families wanted to fish more and went back to the ranch’s reservoir.  Madison Johnson caught a large 2-lb. Crappie from the dock and not to be outdone, her Dad landed a 10-lb. catfish!  Maybe the reservoir record.

Later in the afternoon the families went back to Granzella’s for a quiet evening and then up Sunday for a farewell breakfast.  The event was a great success, fully funded by Field of Dreams, Inc.

FOD has a simple mission - To help disadvantaged children and Veterans enjoy an outdoor experience that might otherwise be out of reach.  Outdoor sports can be that special experience that doesn’t happen when dealing with illness or disability.  Info on FOD can be found online at www.fieldofdreamsinc.org and on Facebook at Field of Dreams, Inc.

Driving home after the event I can still hear the song of Taylia’s voice; “I caught a fish, all by myself.”

Charles Roberts, Vice President

Return to News List



Back To Top
Any property information listed is subject to change without notice.©2008 Tower Investments LLC All Rights Reserved.