The third annual "Paddle For The Cure," is put on by the Hudson River Watertrail Association and directly benefits The Support Connection, a Yorktown-based national organization, which seeks to support people facing breast and ovarian cancer.
According to its website, the Hudson River Watertrail Association is "a coalition of small boaters, primarily human and wind powered, who are actively interested in the Hudson River as a treasure of natural and human history."
Watretrial President Peggy Navarre told The Daily Voice, "Just about everybody knows someone with breast cancer. It is a disease that really hits close to home and this year we really wanted to make sure donations were going toward a group that was closer to home and we've found that in Support Connection."
Katherine Quinn, executive director of Support Connection, was present at the shove off in Cortlandt Manor.
Quinn said the mission of the network is to offer free, confidential peer counseling, support groups, educational and wellness programs, for people dealing with breast and ovarian cancer as well as their family and friends.
She said, "Dedicating the paddle to us as beneficiaries will have a direct impact on the services we offer to people. All of our counselors have had cancer, and having this group stand behind us means a tremendous amount to us and the people we help."
Kayakers came from all over Westchester, the Hudson Valley, New York City and even Peru to participate in the event, which involved paddling 11 miles and collecting poker cards. Whoever collects the best hand, wins.
Annette Delarosa, of Orange County, said, "My husband and I love to kayak. So this is a great way to come out and do that - and also have a nice cause to add to that benefit."
Check back with The Daily Voice for updates about the winners.
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