DAN'S PAPERS, June 27, 2008 Page 79 www.danshamptons.com
Paddlers
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on paddling adventures and receive donations from sponsors. This non-profit East Hampton organization donates funds and raises awareness for other non-profit organizations that focus on community, education and health. “It was started with a group of paddlers who wanted to make a difference,” Svanberg said. “We go out, have fun and raise money while we’re at it.” The group started in 2005 and has so far raised around $300,000 for charity. The first event of this season is Along the Waterfence, a 9.6-mile paddle from Fresh Pond
in Amagansett to Eddie Ecker County Park on Fort Pond Bay in Montauk. The two to three hour Along the Waterfence paddle is Saturday, July 19 at 2 p.m. All paddlers must raise a minimum of $500 to take part. The Paddlers for Humanity main event continues to grow, and up to 50 paddlers are expected for this year’s 18-mile, Montauk Lighthouse to Block Island, open ocean paddle. The event will take place on September 13 or 14, depending on weather conditions. The paddle is expected to be about five hours, and each participant must raise a minimum of $3,000. This year the three charities that will benefit from the Paddlers for Humanity’s two major events are the East Hampton Day Care Learning Center, Miracle House and the Montauk Playhouse Community Center. Newcomers are more than welcome to join Paddlers for Humanity on both trips. Participants must raise the minimum for each event and be 18 years old (or have a parent or
guardian sign a waiver). Kayaks, paddleboards and outrigger canoes are the required means for transportation, and kayaks and paddleboards can be rented for the events. More information and registration forms for the Paddlers for Humanity events can be found at p4h.org.
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