Paddle for Families
Paddle for Families was a fundraiser for Families in Recovery that took place in Summer 2008 to benefit children and others impacted by family alcoholism. Similar to a paddle-a-thon or bike-a-thon, participants got sponsors to make donations in support of their paddling. There were several ways to participate, including:
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People pledged to either canoe or kayak for as many hours as they thought they could over the week's time.
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On the first Saturday, July 26, 2008, people who did not have a kayak or canoe of their own (and even those who do) joined in a 1.5 hour tour of the Irondequoit Creek Wetlands, a beautiful little wilderness right here in our backyard for up to 10 people at a time. The cost for this was only $5, all of which went to pay for the use of the boat, so participants were still asked to get sponsors. This was open to groups, children and people with disabilities (must be able to get in and out of a canoe).
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People who were interested in paddling their own boat (solo or tandem) but did not have one of their own joined in on Tuesday, July 29th near the The Braddock Bay Wildlife Management Area. Families in Recovery arranged kayak rentals for the very low price of $10 for 2 hours (tandem is $15). Again, the full cost went to the rental, so people who participated got friends and family to be a sponsor.
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People who were not interested or unable to paddle that week sponsored the Families in Recovery Team.
At the end of the event, participants were invited to a party at Ellison Park to celebrate. The All Night Ramblers played Cajun dance hall music and there was BBQ.
