Paddle for a Purpose raises money for Coast Guard children

As part of Cape May’s 2009 Harbor Fest, the Nature Center of Cape May and Aqua Trails Kayak Tours will sponsor the second annual Paddle for a Purpose Kayak Regatta June 20 at 1 p.m.
This two-hour noncompetitive tour of Cape May Harbor and the surrounding salt marsh is being held to benefit the Nature Center of Cape May’s Good Neighbor Fund for Coast Guard families.
New this year to the regatta is a community service project of picking up trash along the waterways and marsh edges during the paddle. This activity is part of a Marine Debris and Education Grant the Nature Center hopes to be awarded by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration.
The Good Neighbor Fund was established seven years ago by an anonymous donor to provide free tuition for summer nature classes to children from the nature center’s neighboring U.S. Coast Guard Base.
Last year, the regatta raised $1,200. This year, Nature Center Director Gretchen Ferrante hopes to double that amount.
“We would love civic groups, clubs and church groups to consider doing the regatta as a fun group activity,” Ferrante said.
“Any group that would like to participate and needs kayak rentals can call the Nature Center to make those arrangements.”
The regatta begins at 1 p.m. with check-in at 12:30 p.m. All participants will receive a free Paddle for a Purpose t-shirt, a water bottle and refreshments.
Kayak rentals are available at the nature center. Call for prices to rent a kayak or enter your own.
Participation in the Paddle for a Purpose Kayak & Canoe Regatta is a great way to say thanks to the men and women who work to protect our waters and the people who use them.
Individuals may also make a donation to the Good Neighbor Fund without participating in the regatta.
Both can be accomplished by requesting a registration form from the Nature Center at 609-898-8848. Space is limited and based on the number of rental boats available.
Paddle for a Purpose is part of the 2009 Harbor Fest, a celebration of sea and song that will take place at the Nature Center and along the shores of Cape May Harbor.
The festivities will include a street festival, seafood vendors, a beer garden, live music, arts and craft booths, educational exhibits, a harbor water taxi, sailing demonstrations by the Cape May Yacht Club, Coast Guard rescue demonstrations, nature walks and animal talks, children’s activities and the Great Scallop Challenge – a seafood cook off featuring the finest restaurants in Cape May.
The festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1600 Delaware Ave., Cape May.