Local businesses, organizations, friends and families took part in the second annual Paddle Battle Team Challenge on the Peconic River to benefit United Way of Long Island’s VetsBuild program. This year’s event raised over $11,300 in support of helping military veterans train and find careers in the green construction industry.
The Paddle Battle Team Challenge invited teams of four to participate in a recreational stand up paddle board and kayak race. Paddle Battle founders, East End Tourism Alliance and Long Island Aquarium, welcomed this expansion in addition to their annual traditional race that attracts individual competitors.
This recreational fundraiser was appealing to all, no matter what skill level, as the Team Challenge was less focused on the race aspect, and more on enjoying a fun outing with colleagues and friends. The racers who took part in this event were of all ages, from youngsters to seniors. Paddle Battle Team Challengers included Pepsi, National Grid, Suburban Exterminating, GEICO, Mission United, Summit Security, Educational Bus Transportation and Leviton. Pepsi took home the trophy this year, winning first place.
This one of a kind battle also included a family barbeque with mouth-watering food and drinks, music that made you want to dance, and many more good-spirited activities making the perfect ending to a day well spent.
Photo caption: (L to R) Rick Wertheim, United Way of Long Island's SVP of Housing and Green Initiatives accepts the over $11,300 contribution from Bryan DeLuca, executive director at Atlantis Holdings and the event organizer, and Wendy Rodriguez, race coordinator and exhibition center manager at the Long Island Aquarium.