Skim the waves to help fight childhood cancer
Now in its third year, the Skim-A-Thon for Childhood Cancer is a family friendly event that seeks to raise money and and awareness for childhood cancer.
The event, held by the Get Well Gabby Foundation in partnership with the RELYance Skim Camp, has raised nearly $10,000 over the last two years.
This year’s event takes place Saturday, June 17, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Tower Road Beach in Delaware Seashore State Park.
Participants can receive two hours of instruction and the use of boards from Tom and Dave Bracht and the RELYance Skim Camp team. Registration is $25 for an instruction session.
Tickets are available online at www.getwellgabby.org or the Get Well Gabby Facebook page under event information.
Carolynn Vogel, president of the Get Well Gabby Foundation, speaks about the foundation formed after her daughter, Gabby, died from brain cancer and its goals.
What is the purpose of the Get Well Gabby Foundation and how has it impacted the community?
Get Well Gabby started in 2012 after we lost our daughter Gabriella to a rare form of brain cancer one month before her 6th birthday. She believed that when she turned 6 years old that she would not be sick anymore and her motto was to always believe.
In that time, we have raised approximately $225,000 that has been distributed to A.I. duPont Hospital for Children, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and other hospitals. We also collect and donate new books to seven different children’s hospitals during our annual book drive.
Are you able to expand the donations to individuals as well?
We give back to families in need which is called Gabby’s Gift and we have been able to so far donate $19,000 to individual children and their families. We are more than financial help; we are also a resource to provide emotional support to families who are enduring illness or a loss.
I feel very good about being able to give back and continue fighting against the enemy that took our daughter, Gabriella. Even though she can’t fight anymore, we can reach out to other kids to help them get well by raising money for a cure and spreading awareness.
The 3rd Annual Skim-A-Thon is just one of three events in Delaware that you sponsor to raise awareness for childhood cancer. Can you explain what type of crowd it draws and do you have to have experience to participate?
It is mostly a diverse group of kids each year ages 7 to teens who are either experienced or come out to learn the sport. Usually we have about 20 kids who show up, but we always welcome more. We did have one adult last year.
My husband has tried it, but he ended up with ice packs all over his body afterwards. It is definitely a sport for the more agile teenager, however, RELYance Skim Camp is available that day to give beginners a board to borrow and provide instructions on how to skim safely during a 2-hour period between 10 a.m.-noon or 1-3 p.m.
How can you get involved in the Skim-A-Thon?
We prefer you to pre-register online at www.getwellgabby.org and look for the skim-a-thon event which will direct you to an Eventbrite page because we are getting food donated by a local restaurant to provide lunch to the participants and we need a general idea how many will be in attendance.
New skimmers pay $25 for a ticket and experienced skimmers provide a donation. If you sign up as an experienced skimmer, you will be given a donation page via social media. In addition, we give out tickets based on how much money each person raised; the more money raised, the more tickets you earn for a chance to win prizes.
This event is a way for young kids to help raise awareness while doing something they love to do.
What is the overall vibe like at this event?
This is just a fun beach event. We always strive to make it as family oriented and entertaining as we can. Families have raved about that aspect. Family time is precious and a lot of time we can all take it for granted. It is a way for others to bond around a meaningful cause.
There is a vast amount of work that goes into your foundation; how can volunteers be a part of it?
If anyone is interested in volunteering they can reach out to me. We can use their help in all areas. Specifically we ask volunteers to help with the events – everything from signage to refreshments, registration and lots more. We also ask for help from volunteers to acquire donations and sponsors. Wherever you are able to help we are grateful for.
IF YOU GO
The 3rd Annual Skim-A-Thon for Childhood Cancer
When: June 17, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Delaware State Park, Tower Road Beach
Contact: Carolynn Vogel, 484-885-8264