(back)

Rotarians sink time, energy into annual ‘fun’-raiser

By Tara Drach

Rotary’s third annual River Rally, featuring boats that no savvy sailor would consider a good investment, will start with a splash at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 20.

It’s known as the Great Cardboard Boat Regatta, in which groups design a boat made of corrugated cardboard and compete on a 200-yard course at Tempe Town Lake.

“This event brings together the community, raises money for youth charities and generates public awareness of Rotary and what it really stands for,” said Rick Stoddard, president-elect of Tempe South Rotary Club.

In addition to the race, lakeside events include:

A cardboard boat preview and “People’s Choice Award” from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. April 18 at Arizona Mills Mall.

A golf tourney April 19 at Ahwatukee Country Club; and

A 5K Walk/Run at 8 a.m. the morning of the regatta.

“This is a great event, not only for Rotary but also for residents to come together as a community,” said Stoddard.

Tempe South Rotary members, including Kyrene Corridor residents Jay Spradling, Don Stein and LaVerne Duff, have been involved in the planning of the event since last fall. “Our club is engaged at all levels,” said Stoddard.

“From public relations, to raising donations, to gathering sponsors, we have been involved.”

Sponsors of the event include Tempe Rotary clubs, city of Tempe and several Kyrene Corridor businesses, including All Wet Scuba, Home Depot and Tempe Decorator Center.

Participating groups, families and businesses have been attending boat-building clinics at the Home Depot at Kyrene and Warner since February.

Boats are entered in three classes: human powered (propelled by oars or paddles), power assisted (using paddlewheels, propellers or sails) or built on the day of the event using an “instant boat” kit and raced in one of two divisions, youth or general.

The event, produced by volunteers, is an annual fundraiser to support charitable children’s causes.

Youth charities that benefited from last year’s rally include the Boys and Girls Club, Boy Scouts, Every Kid Counts, Arizona Cactus Pine Girl Scouts Council and Pappas School for Homeless Youth.

Applications to participate in the regatta will be accepted until April 12 or the public may register the day of the event and buy an “instant boat” kit.

Pre-registration for the 5K run/walk is encouraged but not required. Entrance fee for the run/walk is $15 at pre-registration or $20 the day of the race.

Admission to all events is free to spectators.

For more information, call (480) 609-3978 or visit www.cardboardboatrace.com

(back)