Kayak for a Cause

A group of several-hundred kayakers would cross the Sound from Norwalk, Connecticut, to the north shore of Long Island and return as they raise money for local and national charities.

The route for the crossing is 12.5 miles long and leaves from Calf Pasture Beach in East Norwalk, Connecticut, and lands in Crab Meadow Park in Northport, New York.

Paddlers could pick one to sponsor in the past, however, due to the growth of the event over time, it had become more logistically feasible for the board to elect on how to split donations among the selected charities.

Peter Hunsinger, vice president and publisher of GQ and a resident of nearby New Canaan, Connecticut, participated in the event as a kayaker.

[3] The last several years have included an after-party on Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk, featuring a concert by big-name artists and a silent auction.

In 2010, the organization celebrated its tenth year, having escorted over 1,600 paddlers across the sound, recording over 20,000 donations and raising over $2,000,000 for local and national charities.

Charities that received support since inception include Save the Sound, Hole in the Wall Gang, Cancer Care, Outward Bound, Canine Companions, Builders Beyond Borders, Make a Wish, Courage to Speak, and Cardinal Sheehan Youth Center.