16th Annual Kayak for Kids Fundraiser Set For June 21

ST. CROIX — The Queen Louise Home for Children has announced its 16th annual Kayak for Kids fundraiser to be held on June 21, according to a press release the nonprofit issued on Monday.

The event includes three courses: two long courses and one less strenuous course to accommodate for kayakers of all experience levels.

The first long course begins at 11:00 a.m. at Cane Bay Beach and includes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes of kayaking from the starting location, and will see competitors making their way to Hams Bay Beach.

Following a one-hour break at Hams Bay Beach, a 1 hour and 30 minutes course will follow from Hams Bay Beach to Fort Frederik Beach that concludes with a complementary picnic party sponsored by Villa Morales and other event sponsors.

The third, a short, less challenging course, sees competitors boarding their kayaks at Hams Bay Beach to Fort Frederik.

Last year’s Kayak for Kids drew a crowd of 100 participants, and raised over $20,000 for Queen Louise Home.  This year’s fundraising goal is $35,000 and event organizers have already raised over $14,000.

Registration opens at 10: 00 a.m. at Cane Bay Beach. All participants are required to wear life vests and will be provided with a complimentary safety whistle.  The United States Coast Guard and additional volunteer safety boats will be patrolling the seas to help ensure kayakers and paddle-boarders are safe and stay on course.

All event proceeds directly support Queen Louise Home for Children on St. Croix– a residential foster care program that provides loving housing and care to children in the Virgin Islands who have been abused, abandoned, neglected or have severe disabilities and special medical needs.  Queen Louise Home receives support from the local and Federal government, however as a nonprofit agency, Lutheran Social Services is responsible for raising over $450,000 annually to ensure children have a safe and loving Home they can turn to 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

The public is encouraged to visitwww.gofundme.com/kayakforkids to make a donation and help reach this year’s fundraising goal.