Aloha, I’d like to introduce to you two of our Maui, SUP Ohana members of the community and good friends. Mark and Donna Raaphorst are asking for our support as I’m learning more and more about the tragic effect autism has on children and their families. The need to educate and support this cause is great. Learn more about how you can support our friends in their journey to paddle 26 miles in New York this summer.
Mark and Donna
“Dear Friends and Family,
Autism affects 1 in 150 children. Donna and I both have friends and family whose children are autistic. Maybe you do too. These individuals are faced with huge challenges every day, but with a good support system these challenges can be faced with some comfort and even joy.
Next month we will be participating in an event that raises money to assist individuals and family members touched by this disorder. The funds we help raise will go to a variety of foundations focused on education for the children, family support and research that will hopefully lead to a cure.
The event is the SEAPaddleNYC and it takes place on August 12th 2011. Time is short now so we are graciously asking you to act soon by making a contribution of any amount to this cause. We understand well that the current economy is putting a strain on many of us. However, we are asking that if there is any contribution that you are able to make to help us reach our goal, we would greatly appreciate it. More importantly, the recipients of the foundation’s gifts will be touched by your generosity.
The SEAPaddleNYC is a 26.5 mile paddle around Manhattan we will do on our own stand up boards flown in from Hawaii. The paddle is expected to take between 7-8 hours. In order to participate we are required to raise a minimum of $1000.00 each but would like to increase that minimum to at least $1500.00 each for a combined donation of $3000.00.
The route:
The links below will take you directly to our pledge pages where you can make a contribution.
To find out more about the event and the foundations that will benefit simply click on the green logo in the upper left corner that will lead you to the home page.
Mark’s pledge page:
https://seapaddlenyc.dojiggy.com/pledge/index.cfm?585F2208177875137035215F407C050E7800037E
Donna’s pledge page:
https://seapaddlenyc.dojiggy.com/pledge/index.cfm?585F2208007E787B74650147515B357A050A09710B7B
If you are able to make a contribution please follow the links above. Also, if you know others who might be interested in making a contribution please feel free to forward this email to them.
With gratitude,
Mark & Donna Raaphorst
155 Hohani Pl.
Haiku HI 96708
(808) 463-4656
Good luck Mark and Donna! I’m sure you’ll get there and represent. Suzie
