The 15th annual Kayak for Kids event was held yesterday to raise money for the Queen Louise Home for Children, which exists to house kids who have been abandoned, neglected or abused. An extension of Lutheran Social Services of the Virgin Islands, Queen Louise Home has existed for more than 100 years. This year, 90 participants and volunteers raised more than $11,000 for the children’s charity, with registration at $50 per person.
Kayak Route
Kayakers began at Cane Bay on the north shore of St. Croix, headed around the northwest corner of the island with a stop at Ham’s Bay Beach (near Ham’s Bluff and Renaissance St. Croix Carambola Beach Resort & Spa), and finished at Fort Frederik Beach on the west end. Water, Gatorade and beer were provided at the midway stop. A group of stand-up paddle boarders joined the kayakers on their journey.
Fundraising Goal
While all funds raised at the event go to the general operating fund of Queen Louise Home, they are currently renovating Cottages A and B, which specifically house children from birth to 12 years old. These housing units have not received major renovations since 1967, according to Director of Public Relations and Development for Lutheran Social Services, Emily Graci.
Queen Louise Home not only provides housing, but therapy and tutoring for children in need. The ultimate mission is to reunite children with those related to them or place them with a foster family.
Major Contributors
At Fort Frederik Beach, an appreciation party was held for participants with catering compliments of Villa Morales. Owners J.T. Torres and Angie Morales are heavily involved in planning Kayak for Kids and fundraising for Queen Louise Home each year.
Other major sponsors were Continuum Care, Diageo and O’Neale’s Trucking.
St. Croix is known for compassionate people who care for others, give generously to and volunteer often for charitable causes.
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