The Keiki Paddle

Samantha participated in the Keiki Paddle for her first time this past summer which is a fundraising event for children to raise money paddling eight miles from the Goleta pier to the Santa Barbara pier to benefit a child with cancer. The Keiki Paddle was organized when a group of parents who lead the the Friendship Paddle had requests from their children wanting to participate in the adult event. 

Due to the number of shark sightings—even one that knocked a paddle boarder off his board and bit the nose of the board in July—the course route was modified to go from Miramar Beach to East Beach where they did a zig zag paddle to and from shore with increased Harbor Patrol surrounding them. This was a little unnerving but we had been dealing with it all summer in Jr. Guards and trusted that the sharks don't want to hurt us and that we can all swim in the same ocean. Right? 🤔👌 So, Samantha got to work and spent many afternoons paddling in the ocean to build up her strength (with a little help from Jr. Guards) and I helped her to reach out to family, friends and neighbors to get donations. 

From Samantha's fundraising page:

Dear Friends and Family,

I am participating in my first Keiki Paddle to help raise funds for Eliana Sophia Georges, a 7-year-old who lives in Santa Barbara that has been battling cancer since she was 4-months-old. I promise to paddle my heart out in support of Eliana and help her get the care and support she needs. 

Love, 

Samantha 

About the Keiki Paddle:

In 2008, the Keiki Paddle was created to give kids the chance to engage in a first-hand experience of helping others and bring support to families in need. Every year, children ages 7 to 18 participate in an open ocean paddle to provide emotional and financial support to a Santa Barbara child with a life-threatening illness.

Samantha raised close to $900 and collectively the event raised almost $40,000! This is the most they have ever raised since the event began. 

Sam was both nervous and excited for the big day! 

Thatcher was a little too little to make the paddle, maybe next year, HOWEVER, at the last minute he scored a spot on the boat. 

Early morning boat prep at the dock, loading all the boards, supplies and kids. 

Samantha would be riding with the McFadden family. Lauren (Lolo) is one of Sam's best friends and Lolo's dad, John, is one of the founders of the Friendship Paddle. John's brother, Doug, was the first recipient of the Friendship Paddle and was able to participate in the event before he passed away from a brain tumor. The entire McFadden family is heavily involved in the event and it was very special for Sam to get to be on their boat. 

Lolo and Sam. 

Boston and Jason. 

Off they went!

Thatcher was head candy distributer throughout the paddle. 

He threw out gummy bears and licorice throughout the route. He was quite popular with all the kids and he's already earned a spot on the boat next year.

Harbor Patrol scaring all the sharks away. ;) 

All the boats and participants made it to Miramar. 

The sun came out just as they began their paddle.

East Beach began to fill up as the paddlers made it to the finish. 

They did it! 

We were so touched by all the donations and supporters who came out to cheer Samantha and all the kids on. 

After a huge celebratory lunch, the kids warmed up in the sand. 

There was a closing ceremonies where several speakers spoke to the group commending the kids for what they had accomplished. 

Sweet Eliana, the paddle's recipient, was able to ride on one of the boats and joined everyone at the ceremony. 

Samantha is looking forward to this year's paddle.

Check out this video of the event to see video and photos from the day which helps give a sense to how incredible and positive this was for everyone involved.