July 7, 2008
GERRY LOPEZ, DARRICK DOERNER, JOEL TUDOR AND FRIENDS TO RAISE MONEY FOR AUTISM AWARENESS IN 28-MILE PADDLE AROUND MANHATTAN
SEA PADDLE NYC to attract some of the top paddlers in the world.
New York, NY — Last August, history was made on the waterways surrounding New York City when Surfers’ Environmental Alliance(SEA) organized a group of over 50 surfers, including several professionals and surfing legends, to paddle 28 miles around NYC in the name of autism awareness and coastal preservation. The inaugural event, called ‘SEA Paddle NYC’, drew international attention and, in conjunction with the White Water Gala fundraiser held just prior to the paddle, raised a total of $90,000 for three autism awareness groups: Autism Speaks, NJCOSAC and Surfers Healing & SEA.
Due to its incredible success, SEA Paddle NYC will be held again this year. The White Water Gala will take place Saturday, August 16, and the paddle will be Monday, August 18.
The White Water Evening is a white-themed event held on an ocean front estate in Monmouth Beach, NJ with all proceeds going to autism charities & SEA. The event features great live music, an open bar, catering by top local restaurants, and an amazing atmosphere. There will be a silent auction with donations pouring in from local businesses and residents including rocker Jon Bon Jovi.
Surfing has been shown to be a calming and euphoric activity for those suffering with autism. Paul Davis, SEA member and paddler said, “We had such an amazing time in last years event. It’s a spectacular opportunity for the paddlers to see Manhattan from the water and an even better opportunity for all the spectators to see our many sponsors who stepped up for autism awareness.”
“Your paddle around NYC was remarkable on every level. Your hearts, your generosity, your talents, your energy are very much appreciated.” - Linda Meyer Ed.D, MPA, Executive Director at the Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community (COSAC)
Lopez, Doerner, and Tudor are just some of the surf legends already confirmed to participate in this years event. And like last year, the event will be showcasing some of the top paddlers from around the world. The paddle will start at 9am on Monday August 18th at Pier 1 South Street Sea Port. Paddlers will go up the East River, enter the Harlem River and come down the Hudson paddling 28 miles to circumnavigate Manhattan.
For information regarding registration, sponsorship, donations, tickets or other participation in SEA Paddle NYC, visit seapaddlenyc.org Media & sponsors can contact Andrew Mencinsky at 732-804-4096, Darrick Doerner at 888-HALEIWA.
About SEA
Surfers’ Environmental Alliance (SEA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. SEA is a grassroots, project-based environmental organization aggressively committed to the cultural and environmental integrity of the sport of surfing. We are as much devoted to protecting the natural wonders of the coastal environment as we are to fostering and protecting public beach access. We work constantly with federal, state and local officials to ensure that coastal real estate and infrastructure development do not destroy our heritage, or that of our children. For more information on SEA, visit seasurfer.org.
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