Dear Supporters,

 

We extend our heartfelt thanks to each of you for your incredible response during our Autumn Attainment Amble/Paddle/Race Fundraiser & Winter Supplies Donation Drive. Your cold-weather contributions and generous dollar donations will profoundly impact the communities devastated by Hurricane Helene, and we are truly grateful for your tremendous support.

 

Sunday’s paddling events—with the sun sparkling off the river and flirting with the foliage—felt magical. The enthusiasm and sense of community out on the water reflected the warmth and care you’ve shown through your donations.

 

Thanks to you, we packed 16 tightly compressed boxes of winter clothing—each filled with warmth for those in need. We also raised $3,809—just $191 shy of our ambitious $4K goal and already $800 more than our total at the start of Sunday’s race. Amazing!

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UPDATE, OCTOBER 29: We raised $4,199.13 by the final tally. 

 

With your support, we purchased (discounts where we could get them!) a dozen propane heaters and more than 20 warm sleeping bags, ensuring that many will be better prepared for the cold months ahead. These items will prove invaluable to the health and safety of Western North Carolina families, especially in those chilly Great Smoky Mountains!

 

The final flurry of dollar donations also leaves us with cash on hand to address the greatest needs when we arrive with the delivery, whether it's buying large water storage tanks or covering delivery costs to reach families in remote areas. We remain attentive to calls from relief professionals in the region to respond to specific requests as the long recovery continues.

 

The enduring strength of the caring DC paddling community fills us with hope. 

 

Here’s an album of my favorite photos from the event (by Michael Kircher, me, and others). Feel free to post any of these images, and please remember to include photo credits and/or a tag. 

 

Also, check out these posts: Spreading Happiness and Joyful generosity by me and Groovy Times by Michael Kircher. For high-resolution files or prints, contact Michael Kircher.

 

With deepest gratitude,
 

Danny Stock, Whitewater Lab 

 

In partnership with Calleva River School, Great Falls Foundation, Team River Runner, Potomac Whitewater Racing Center, and Paddlestroke SUP

 

Follow @WhitewaterLab on Instagram and sign up at Whitewater-Lab.com.