SEA Paddle NYC a fundraiser for Surfers’ Environmental Alliance
On August 17, 2012, local chef and waterman Phillip McDonald will put his physical and mental endurance to the test as he paddles 26.5 miles around the island of Manhattan. The 6th Annual SEA Paddle NYC (www.seapaddlenyc.org) elite paddle race is an annual fundraiser for the Surfer’s Environmental Alliance (SEA) and various autism non-profit organizations.
Born and raised in Destin and surfing since he was 12-years-old, McDonald is ready for the challenge.
“I’ve been following the SEA Paddle NYC event for a couple years now, so I’m pumped to be able to attend and help raise awareness for autism and the Surfer’s Environmental Alliance. While the race distance far exceeds anything I’ve paddled to date, I’m looking forward to the personal challenge, the camaraderie with the other paddlers and seeing NYC from a whole new perspective. In the end, the biggest reward is contributing to the cause.”
In order to solidify his spot in the race, McDonald is required to meet a fundraising minimum goal of $1,000 by August 1. 100 percent of the donations are evenly distributed amongst the organizations. To pledge your support for McDonald, Click here.
“I’m so grateful to a number of family members, friends and local businesses who have already stepped up to pledge their support, including SEA Paddle NYC sponsor YOLO Board who offered to outfit me with a race board for the event,” said McDonald.
When not paddling on the water, McDonald is busy running his private chef and catering business Table Five.
About Surfers’ Environmental Alliance (SEA)
Surfers’ Environmental Alliance (SEA) is a grassroots, project-based, tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that works to preserve fragile coastal habitats, natural ocean waves, a clean ocean, non-restrictive beach access, as well as the cultural and environmental integrity of the sport of surfing. SEA’s focus encouraged creation of the Paddle NYC event in 2007 to stress the importance of our marine environment in all our lives, and the difference each of us can make. Find out more at www.SeaSurfer.org.