Paddle for Haiti Raises Over $10,000!

The paddle for Haiti activity held last Saturday sponsored by Puerto Rico Paddleboard Tours and Rentals raised over $10,000 for the Hearts For Haiti Project and the Rotary Haiti Relief Fund!

An expected turnout of 20 paddleboarders swelled to almost 90, each paying $50 to paddle from Piñones to Ocean Park on a beautiful sunny day.  A cookout and raffle was then held at the Park Boulevard Condominium, which attracted several hundred people who bought drinks, hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages, steaks, ribs, and other BBQ goodies donated by several sponsors.  The raffle also was a big success with more than 50 donated items up for grabs.  Everyone had a great time and the final total raised was far more than anyone imagined!

The funds raised will be split between the two Haiti projects our club is involved in.  This is an example of the power and image of Rotary.  According to Tanya Esparza, the co-founder of the event (along with Art Wible), Rotary gave the event  respectability and the participants felt confident that their donations would be handled in the right way, encouraging even more generosity.

Thanks to Tanya and Art, and all the volunteers who participated.  We can't wait for the Second Annual Paddle for Haiti!