Chris and Wendy Kelly of Seadrift have committed themselves to fund-raising events to help our youth in Calhoun County. Each event takes time, effort, and fortitude to see it through, and that’s no understatement!

The three events this year sponsored by the Kelley’s 501-C3 Charity entitled “Castaway Youth Charities, Inc.” were a BBQ cook-off, the “Pumpkin Patch”, and the “Spooky Patch.” The BBQ cook-off that took place in February included a redfish fishing tournament. The cook-off had 57 contestants! That’s a lot for a small town like Seadrift! The “Pumpkin Patch” is held the weekend before Halloween and the “Spooky Patch” is on the last weekend of October.

Many local youth-oriented organizations in our county receive donations from Castaway Youth Charities: church youth groups, the Boy Scouts, the FFA, and 4-H. Chris Kelly, owner of Castaway Lodge, Inc. commented that “We were trained that along with business success comes responsibility to the community.”

Chris Kelly came to Seadrift in 1993. Originally from Waxahachie, Texas, Chris had a background in the real estate business and was a hunting guide in the Houston area. Wendy came to Seadrift in 1998. Chris and Wendy were married in 2005 and built their lodge in 2006.
-Tanya DeForest