Joyce Marie Taylor
Suwannee Democrat
Mayo —
Folks are getting excited about the 2nd Annual Suwannee River Paddle for Autism coming up April 27 and donations continue to pour in from businesses near and far who are doing their part to sponsor this event that will help autistic children in Lafayette County.
This is Peggy Grill’s second year heading up the Suwannee River Paddle for Autism and she is doing it to raise awareness of this complex developmental disability that to date has no cure. Research, however, is finding better ways to understand it and help people cope with its symptoms.
The latest sponsor stepping up to the plate is Kenneth Nall, owner of Bow And Stern, at their new location at 706 N. Fletcher in Mayo, who donated a YETI cooler valued at $225.
Also, the raffle grand prize has been upgraded to an Ocean Kayak Scrambler 11 that includes the seat and paddle. The kayak was donated at half price by Dave Workman, Jr., owner of Strike-Zone Fishing in Jacksonville.
Come join in the fun on Saturday, April 27, for a leisurely paddle along the Suwannee River, while helping a worthy cause in the process. The event will begin at 9 a.m. at the Highway 51 bridge in Mayo where you can sign up until 12 p.m. Your final destination will be Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort and Campground. There will be live entertainment from Mean Mary and the Saltwater Cowboys from 1-8 p.m., as well as another entertainer who has been added to the lineup. You may remember J.R. Hernandez from Branford who played at the last few Pioneer Days events.
“He does great Johnny Cash type music,” said Grill’s husband Martin.
Your $10 donation to participate in this event includes entertainment and raffle for prizes. For boat rental or lodging information, go to suwanneeriverrendezvous.com or call 386-294-2510. You can also log on to canoesuwannee.com or give them a call at 386-294-1319.
Canoe/kayak rentals will also be available at the check in point at the Highway 51 bridge.
Proceeds from donations will be provided to University of Florida Center for Autism and Related Disabilities for autism services in the Lafayette County area. For more information log on to www.card.ufl.edu/paddle4autism.
