A fundraising event scheduled on Saturday, Aug. 26, Kayaking for a Kure, will bring together kayak and canoe enthusiasts for a fun-filled ride down the Susquehanna River.
Proceeds from the event will benefit both Tioga County resident Jocelyn Kline, who is undergoing treatment for Stage 2 breast cancer, along with the local non-profit organization Traci’s Hope, which helps breast cancer patients cope with various expenses.
The community is invited to Owego’s Hickories Park for a barbeque and other activities, and welcome to watch the action as spectators.
The event is planned rain or shine. Event organizer, Ryan Kline, who is Jocelyn’s husband, estimates that the Apalachin to Owego ride will take approximately two to three hours.
Kline explained that participants can ride at their own leisurely pace and take time to enjoy both the scenery and camaraderie with other paddlers, or, if paddlers are geared up to work hard at their technique, the pace is up to each individual.
The ride kicks off at 10 a.m. at the Apalachin boat launch with the final destination being Hickories Park in Owego. Cost to register is $25, which includes a tee shirt, and is $30 the day of the event. For riders who do not own their own equipment, Route 96 Power & Paddle in Candor, N.Y. has kayaks and canoes to rent for $40; the fee includes a life vest.
Each individual rider must complete a registration form, which can be printed from the Facebook page, Kayaking for a Kure, or at tracishope.com. Riders can also pick up registration forms at the following Owego businesses; Ice Cream Works, Lock–N- Load Sporting Goods, Tom Ash Insurance Agency and Weaver Automotive, as well as Huckles Towing in Waverly.
Kline explained that participants are asked to drop off their kayaks/canoes and other gear at the Apalachin boat launch, which will be watched by event staff. Participants will then drive to Hickories, park their vehicles, and then grab a bus for the return trip back to the launch area.
Jocelyn was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in early May 2017 and has since been undergoing treatment. The Kline’s, parents to two young daughters, ages four and one, had an issue with their dryer shortly after Jocelyn’s treatment began, and sought help from Traci’s Hope. Receiving help from the organization for the purchase of a new dryer then inspired Ryan to work on a way to reciprocate.
“We wanted to give back,” Ryan said, and then one thing led to another, and soon the idea and plans for Kayaking for a Kure were underway. Proceeds received from the event will be split between the Kline family and Traci’s Hope.
The early registration deadline was originally communicated as Aug. 1; however Kline said that registrations are still being accepted.
Kline recently announced, “Keep the registrations coming. Let’s fill the river with kayaks for a great cause!”
The event features a barbeque, a disc jockey, face painting for children, basket raffles and other drawings for prizes, such as a flat screen TV. Tee shirts will also be available for purchase.
The Kline’s hope to make Kayaking for a Kure an annual event, with proceeds benefitting individuals with breast cancer.
For additional information, check the Facebook group page, Kayaking for a Kure, or call Ryan Kline at (607) 761-0036.
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