|
Written by Fox Lach
|
|
Friday, 05 February 2010 20:31 |
|
 Tanya Esparza, Organizer of the Event: Paddling for Haiti had to admit she was blown away by the support she received when she recently had the desire to raise funds for the people of Haiti.
In San Juan, Puerto Rico on Sunday January 24th registration was scheduled from 9:00 - 9:30 AM. The paddle course consisted of departing from the Pinones Bridge, paddling down towards San Juan and ending at the Park Boulevard Beach. "We were expecting forty participants, imagine our surprise to have over ninety registered paddlers ranging from seven years old to seventy!" Everyone completed the paddle course, even the kids. The weather beautiful and sunny. Everyone had a great time and the final total was far more than anyone imagined!
The paddle was a 3 mile downwinder, the emphasis not race oriented, just a friendly paddle. All paddlers donated $50 to paddle and if they needed a board, Puerto Rico Paddle Board Tours charged them $25. All monies were donated to the fund. "My goal was to raise $1000 and we ended up raising $10,010. Rotary matched our funds 100%. We divided the funds between two charities, the Matenwa Community Learning Center on the Isle de Gonave and the Rotary Earthquake Relief Fund. Rotary is fantastic because 99% of the money goes into the charity, everyone's donations actually go to the cause." Tanya stated. Arrangements were made with the Rotary Club of San Juan and the the Interact Club at Commonwealth Parkville School (Community Service Club). The Interact Club sent volunteers to help set up, sell tickets and clean up.
 Post Paddle event was incredible. It attracted several hundred people who bought drinks, hamburgers,hotdogs, sausages, steaks ribs and other barbecued items. All the food, sodas, beer, tables and tents were donated. Organized just off the beach with music, burgers, beer, jewelry, photographs from the day and a raffle. There was a few bucks charged for the food and drinks and the raffle tickets. Raffle prizes ranged from Quiksilver/Roxy, Volcom, and the furniture store, Zip It and plenty more. There must have been over fifty items donated and most people walked away with something. Over all the event was a huge success. It couldn't have been possible without the help of many. Special thanks to Art Wible, the "Amazing Delgado Sisters", Ana and Ame Laurame (who handled PR), Bucky Tervo, President Elect from the Rotary Club and Heather Baus who was one of four photographers who followed in the chase boats.
http://puertoricopaddleboardtours.com/
|
Copyright © 2010 Standup Paddle Magazine | Standup Paddle News, Photos, Video, Gear, Tips, and More.
All Rights Reserved.
