The Keiki Paddle
The children's paddle (keiki is Hawaiian for child) started in 2008 based on two desires; the first being that many of our own children wanted to participate in our organization and second, we, as parents, wanted to instill the fundamental concept of giving back to our community and having a little fun while doing it.
Children between the ages of 7 and 16 sign up and commit to a code of membership and ethics. They pledge to practice, be a good team member, recognize the paddle is not a race, support each other and raise a minimum of $100. Like the adult paddle, each team relay paddles the entire distance. Support boats carry the team and carefully watch the transitions.
In 2008 we had over 80 paddlers complete the 8 miles from Goleta pier to the Santa Barbara pier with a celebration and BBQ on Ledbetter Beach. They raised money in support of two beneficiaries; Hospice of Santa Barbara's "I Have a Friend" program that mentors children that have lost a parent and the family of Sofia Pena. Sofia was 2 and a half when she was diagnosed with a medulloblastoma. The surgery, chemotherapy and stem cell transplant procedures needed to beat the disease was expensive but our kids raised enough to help pay for some of their expenses. More importantly, our kids learned that you receive while giving.
It was an amazing experience for every child and parent to witness the finish. The SB Harbor Patrol showered the kids with spray from their firefighting boat, Sofia and the Hospice mentor/mentees watched while parents cheered every paddler to the beach.
In 2009 we had over 100 children paddle for the Hugs For Cubs program and Wyatt Taylor. Hugs For Cubs supports children with cancer through Bill Pintard's Santa Barbara Foresters baseball team and Wyatt Taylor was fighting Burkitt's Lymphoma with chemotherapy. They paddled 10 miles from Hendry's Beach to Summerland Beach. Again, the SB Harbor Patrol Fire Boat sprayed our paddlers as Wyatt and others got a ride on the amphibious tour bus, the LandShark. They witnessed the paddlers and flotilla pass the harbor on their way to the landing.
It was a beautiful day as each child showed support for Wyatt and Hugs For Cubs. Each child can take pride in their community coming together for one and learning that we receive when we give.
Please show your support of these worthy recipients and our children's efforts by donating to the Keiki Paddle!
The Keiki Paddle Slideshow from Tavis Boise on Vimeo.