Kayak for a Cause facts for kids
Kayak for a Cause was a fun and exciting event that helped raise money for different charities. From 2001 to 2012, hundreds of people would get into their Kayaks and paddle across Long Island Sound in the eastern United States. They would start in Norwalk, Connecticut, paddle to the north shore of Long Island, and then paddle back! This amazing journey helped them collect money for local and national groups that do good work.
The route for this paddle was about 12.5 miles long. It started at Calf Pasture Beach in East Norwalk, Connecticut, and ended at Crab Meadow Park in Northport, New York. Depending on things like the ocean tides, currents, and wind, it usually took a regular paddler between two and four hours to complete the trip.
To join the event, paddlers needed to be comfortable in open water and be in pretty good shape. If it was your first time, you also had to take a special kayak safety course a few weeks before the big day.
Each year, the Kayak for a Cause team chose five charities in Connecticut and Long Island to support. For example, in 2007, some of the charities included The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, which helps kids with serious illnesses, and Save the Sound, an environmental group. At first, paddlers could pick which charity they wanted to support. But as the event grew, the organizers decided it was easier to split all the donations among the chosen charities.
How Kayak for a Cause Started
Kayak for a Cause began in August 2001 in Norwalk, Connecticut. Two friends, Scott Carlin and Miles Spencer, were dared to cross Long Island Sound in their kayaks for $50. They made it across and back, but they never actually collected the $50!
When they bragged about their adventure at a local bar, many people said they would bet hundreds of dollars to see them do it again. Scott and Miles decided not to take the bets. Instead, they thought, "Why not take that money and give it to charity?" That's how the idea for Kayak for a Cause was born!
For the next two years, they invited more people to join their yearly paddle. In 2002, only eight paddlers participated. Six news groups covered the event, and there was even a safety boat following them.
Growing Bigger and Setting Records
In 2005, big companies like Nautica and GQ magazine became sponsors. A vice president from GQ even joined as a kayaker! Other companies, like Land Rover, also helped out. With corporate sponsors, the event became much more organized and got a lot more publicity. This helped it grow super fast! In 2005, there were 45 paddlers, but by 2006, there were 178!
By 2006, Kayak for a Cause had raised more than half a million dollars for charity. The 2006 event had 303 participants, which set a Guinness World Record for the most sea kayaks launched at the same time! In its later years, the event also included a fun after-party on Calf Pasture Beach. This party featured concerts by famous artists and a silent auction where people could bid on items to raise even more money.
Memorable Events and Milestones
The 2007 event had 313 participants and started early on July 28, 2007. This was the first time it used Veterans Park in East Norwalk instead of Calf Pasture Beach. This change allowed the event to grow even bigger, especially the beach party in the afternoon and evening. In 2007, the Neville Brothers and Ryan Shaw played at the charity carnival during the beach party.
In 2008, the event returned to Calf Pasture Beach and featured the Wailers Band playing music.
In 2009, they changed the direction of the paddle! The group launched from Crab Meadow Beach in Huntington, Long Island, and landed in Norwalk. The musical guests included Ryan Shaw and the main performer, Donavon Frankenreiter.
In 2010, Kayak for a Cause celebrated its tenth year! By then, over 1,600 paddlers had crossed the Sound. They had received over 20,000 donations and raised more than $2,000,000 for local and national charities! The Beach Party that year featured Dickey Betts & Great Southern. Some of the many charities that received support over the years included Save the Sound, Hole in the Wall Gang, Cancer Care, and Make a Wish.
In 2013, Kayak for a Cause decided to end the event. They sold off their kayaks and donated the rest of the money to charities. The organization then changed its name and mission to focus on helping young entrepreneurs.
