March 28, 2024
Annapolis, US 48 F

East of Maui raises $5000 to help Puerto Rico with Stand Up To Paddle

What started as a simple idea to get some friends together for a Sunday morning Stand Up Paddle to raise a few dollars to help an individual in Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, turned into a community effort that will be benefit many. Mark Bandy, co-owner of East of Maui Board Shop in Annapolis and organizer of the event said, ”It’s amazing how this community comes together. We thought it would just be a few people throwing $20 into a hat and going for a good paddle and we ended up raising over $5000 for people that need it badly!”

“Paddle for Puerto Rico” took place at Truxtun Park in Annapolis Sunday, October 15th, where paddlers gathered for a 10AM launch and a 3 mile planned route that went through the scenic Annapolis Harbor, past the US Powerboat Show, and the United States Naval Academy seawall.

Gavin Buckley - Democrat for Mayor

Jennifer Carlson, an Anne Arundel County teacher spent her birthday with her visiting parents at Paddle for Puerto Rico said, “I’m so proud to be part of the local SUP community! Things like this just bring out the best in people and are thrilled with the result!”

The combination of donations and raffle items from the SUP industry and local Annapolis businesses helped exceed all expectations. The event was promoted through social media and word-of-mouth among the paddling community and, “Boy did they rally together,” added Bandy. Local businesses East of Maui Board Shop, Capital SUP, Walk on Water, Mantra Fit, and Sunrise SUP all pitched in with support and donations.

The money will go to organizations providing hurricane relief in Puerto Rico such as RidgeToReefs.org, SupportPuertoRicoStrong.com and possibly others.

Paddlers from Annapolis, Washington, D.C., Ocean City and from as far away as Virginia Beach participated, including one young man, Sergio Rosa, from Puerto Rico (pictured) who is staying with a family in Alexandria as a result of his home in Puerto Rico being destroyed in the hurricane.

Previous Article

Anne Arundel County Police investigating human remains discovered in Shady Side

Next Article

Guest Column: In support of Marc Rodriguez for Ward 5 Alderman

You might be interested in …