Paddlers With A Purpose Project For Wounded Warrior

Paddlers With A Purpose A Division of the Elizabethtown Paddlers Association Our Vision: To work in tandem with community organizations to promote, organize and improve recreational paddling activities for ALL members of our community.

Our Mission: To improve paddling opportunities for Wounded Warriors and others with limited mobility through the installation of a handicap accessible canoe and kayak launching dock at Freeman Lake Park in Elizabethtown known as the “EZ Launch Dock System”. Our Goal: To raise the needed funds ($30,000.00)through community organizations, corporate sponsors, individual donors and fundraisers to purchase and install the EZ Launch Dock System at Freeman Lake Park located across from our Veterans Tribute Nature Park. Due Date: We hope have a ribbon cutting on Armed Services Day May EPAEPA

Paddlers With a Purpose Project For Wounded Warrior Questions: How much funding is required to make this project a success? Answer: $30, Are there any case studies to reference related to the EZ Launch Canoe and Kayak Dock systems? Answer: What are the maintenance cost related of this dock? Answer: EZ Dock offers a life time dock system and is free of traditional wood floating docks consisting of treated wood, bolts, screws, brackets and nails. The entire modular dock system is manufactured using polyethylene and includes a coupler system created from recycled car tires which is hurricane force rated. The only maintenance required is a power wash to bring it back to original condition year after year.

Paddlers with a Purpose Project For Wounded Warrior Question: Is there a need? Answer: With 1.2 million service members separating from the military in the next four years, particular support is needed to assist in the transition to civilian life and integrating into their communities. Building a network of local resources in communities benefits a warrior’s integration and makes the veteran and his/her family feel supported in an inclusive environment. (Wounded Warrior Project Website) FORT KNOX, Ky. (WDRB) -- Wounded warriors will soon have a new place to heal and recover in Fort Knox. The Sumner Warrior Battalion Complex will benefit thousands of soldiers. Over 14,000 veterans live in our community. In the United States, there are 400,000 individuals are estimated to have MS. According to 2010 census data; Hardin County Medicaid enrollments for the Blind and Disabled reached 3,507

Envision the Possibilities Wounded Warrior and DAV fishing tournaments, canoe, kayak and SUP events Expanded Recreational and Physical Therapy opportunities for those with PTSD and injuries. Ft. Knox and local VFW sponsored events. Veterans Day and Memorial Day Activities Special Olympics canoeing, kayak, and SUP water sports. MS Society watercraft activities and events Kosair Children’s activities and events Expanded Access for those with limited mobility Reengaging families with transitioning warriors Removing barriers to Parks and Recreation Facilities HELPING OTHERS GAIN ACCESS TO LIFE CHANGING OPPORTUNITIES AND POSSIBILITIES THROUGH PADDLE SPORTS

The “EZ Launch Dock System” Similar project testimonials: fishing/ fishing/ city/wounded-warriors-to-kayak-around-the-inner- harbor-in-rememberance-of-911http:// city/wounded-warriors-to-kayak-around-the-inner- harbor-in-rememberance-of-911

Adaptive Equipment Needed Kayaks with outriggers hawk-kayaks/ Cost 1, foot 1, foot Cost 1, includes outriggers and handicap seating Paddle Mounts

Examples of Paddling Fundraiser Pretty paddles: fundraiser to benefit Port Teen Center- Local High School art classes paint donated paddles from LL Bean for auction fundraiser A Town’s Tribute Kayak for the Warriors- Local Paddle Club sponsors kayak and paddle board race for charity.

Parks and Recreation Recognition This summer, St. Clair County will receive the 2009 Removing Barriers Initiative Award from the National Association of County Parks and Recreation Officials (NACPRO) at NACPRO’s annual awards banquet in Nashville. This fall, St. Clair County will receive the Partnership Award from the Great Lakes Regional Council of the National Recreation and Park Association at NRPA’s National Congress in Salt Lake City. The Partnership Award recognizes projects that have used significant collaborations to develop parks and recreation facilities.

DONATIONS: Through the generosity of civic organizations, individual donors and fundraisers we have raised. $24, We have partnered with Central Kentucky Community Foundation which will allow multiple ways donations can be accepted; including on-line donations. This partnership also allows 100% of all donations to be tax deductible. To contribute on-line please visit: Specify your donation goes to the Paddlers with a Purpose Project. Time is critical…..Lets make this project a reality by Armed Services Day May 25 th -2015

Together We Can Make A Difference