Paddlers Donate $80,000
Paddlers for Humanity, an East Hampton-based nonprofit organization, has donated more than $80,000 to help fund youth mental health programs during the coming year at a handful of local schools.
During tight budgetary times, when many districts are being asked to do more with less, the money will help ensure that access to mental health programs not only continues, but expands.
Paddlers for Humanity has committed $20,000 for a positive behavior program at the Bridgehampton School, $26,000 for what is called a resiliency education program at East Hampton Middle School, $30,000 to help fund the Family Service League’s early intervention program at the Springs School, and $5,000 to East Hampton High School for students dealing with issues such as bullying and depression.
“Last year, we decided to look at where we could have the most impact. Where is there a need and what’s lacking?” said Fred Doss, one of the organization’s co-founders. He also runs Good Circle, a social commerce platform that enables activism. “We wanted to direct our focus toward something very specific this year.”
In August of 2005, a group of fishermen, surfers, and others paddled 18 miles from the Montauk Lighthouse to Block Island — and back again. In addition to the physical challenge, the event raised money for a cancer support organization, and the Montauk to Block Island annual paddle quickly grew in size.
By 2008, Ed Cashin, Fred Doss, Scott Bradley, and Lars Svanberg harnessed its popularity and created Paddlers for Humanity. Over the last six years, the organization has raised more than $850,000 through sporting events and challenges.
Though the organization has focused on bettering the lives of children since its inception, this is the first time it will focus on specific needs. When Mr. Doss approached administrators, social workers, and parents about areas in need of philanthropic resources, mental health problems quickly rose to the surface.
At the Bridgehampton School, the $20,000 donation will fund its positive behavior intervention supports program for students in grades 1 to 12. The program uses rewards for positive social conduct.
The $26,000 donation to East Hampton Middle School will fund a new initiative called “WhyTry.” Run by a Utah-based company, the program focuses on improving resilience no matter what an individual may have to overcome. Last spring, due to widespread budget cuts, the East Hampton School Board decided not to fund it.
“Because of their generous donation, this coming November, the entire middle school faculty and the sixth grade class will be trained in strategies and tactics to help kids deal with difficulties in life, while also learning to de-escalate challenging situations and developing healthy resilience,” said Charles Soriano, the principal of the East Hampton Middle School. “We’re so thrilled to be able to offer this program to our students this year.”