WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH — On April 14, the first four of 12 people will dip their toes in the water at Wrightsville Beach and begin a journey to raise funds and awareness for those who are fighting cancer in the community. Called “The 24,” this nationwide effort is just a small part of a larger group of individuals paddling together in solidarity to help families in need.
Here in North Carolina, there will be 12 individuals, paddling two hour shifts as pairs for 24 hours. They will paddle in solidarity to help some warriors realize they are not alone in their battle. At the end, money collected via a GoFundMe will be distributed to families in need.
The 24 team. (Courtesy of Nancy Preston)
The 24 started two years ago when a group of six paddlers in Seattle got together with the idea of paddling for 24 hours, relay style. Their goals were modest and simple: 1) Have fun. 2) Inspire the community. 3) Raise some grassroots funds to help families dealing with the chaos that cancer causes.
They were blown away. Not only did they have fun and rally the community, but they raised $7,000 by doing what they loved to benefit others. Seven families each received an envelope of $1,000 cash with a simple note inside: “There is a community of people who love you and are fighting for you.”
The second year, the 24 moved beyond Seattle to seven other locations (Vancouver, Newport, Ontario, Idaho, North Carolina and Morro Bay) across the U.S and Canada. Each team had the same goals. As a combined group they raised $50,000. That is 50 families they were able to help. This year – it really feels like a wave is forming deep out in the ocean and is gathering great momentum.
This year, the group is looking to help even more families. Information about the 24 can be found on GoFundMe at https://www.gofundme.com/monsterandsea24WB.
For more information please contact Nancy Preston, Team Captain, at 910-540-4112.
-Content provided by Nancy Preston
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