Press Release
By Cross the Line Foundation
04-11-23
| Registration is still open for the 2023 Cross the Line Paddle! Remember, the first 100 to register get on the boat to St. Mary’s the morning of the paddle and can have their kayak transported to the start. Register early and claim your spot! https://paddleguru.com/races/CrossTheLinePaddleForVeterans2023 Let’s make 2023 Cross the Line Paddle the best one yet! Please note: If you are a veteran (or know of a veteran) who would like to paddle but may be unable to register due to financial constraints, please send an email to [email protected] — we may be able to assist. |
| Be a Volunteer!Cross the Line Paddle would not be possible without the assistance of our great group of volunteers. If you’re not paddling this year, please consider signing up to volunteer. There are several positions available including : Boat Ramp Crew – lifting and carrying kayaks and/or assisting paddlers getting into and out of the water Event Crew – assisting with post paddle event, including set up and break down Pre-Paddle Truck Loading – (Friday afternoon before the paddle) – loading boats onto truck for transportation to St. Mary’s, GA. This is a broad description of some of the assistance needed. To find out more and to sign up as a volunteer, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Yvette McDade-Ray at: [email protected] |
The 2023 Cross the Line Paddle for Veterans will benefit The American River Strokers.
The American River Strokers mission and passion is providing camaraderie and emotional support for our Military, Veterans, First Responders, and their families by creating awareness while paddling the American Rivers.
In the Spring of 2015, while enjoying time on the river, the idea came to use paddling the river as a way to support and honor veterans. Since that time, the American River Strokers has continued to grow and expand into a 501(c)(3) non profit organization giving back to our military, veterans, first responders, and their families. The home river for The American River Strokers is the Harpeth River outside of Nashville, TN. Just a few examples of their activities and events include:
- The American River Strokers teams up with many outfitters throughout Tennessee to help supply kayak and canoe rental fees to military and first responder families wanting to learn to paddle.
- Among the many events held in 2022, The American River Strokers completed a two week, 175 mile paddle. Kayaks, flying American flags, traveled on the Harpeth River, Cumberland River, and Barkley Lake from Nashville, TN to Grand Rivers, KY. Proceeds from this event were in support of Gold Star Families and to help build a scholarship fund.
- In addition to paddling, American River Strokers holds other events throughout the year including a Crawfish Boil and a year-end Golf Tournament. Each team in the golf tournament sponsors a family. The sponsored family for the winning team receives a trip to Gatlinburg, TN.
- Wreaths Across America – December 16, 2023: American River Strokers Foundation will lay wreaths on the graves of our country’s fallen heroes at the Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery as part of National Wreaths Across America Day.
If you’re going to be in the Nashville, TN area join the American River Strokers for a paddle, all are welcome! To find out more about the American River Strokers and their upcoming events, check out their website at americanriverstrokers.com.
 On April 10, 2023, the Blue Fire Theatre Group treated their audience to an evening of great music at SJ Brewing Company in Yulee, FL. This group of very talented performers delighted everyone with songs that were “a little bit country and a little bit rock & roll.”Cross the Line Foundation was honored to be chosen as the recipient of a charitable donation from the proceeds of this event.  THANK YOU Blue Fire Theatre Group and SJ Brewing Company!!! |
| Cross the Line Foundation Scholarship ProgramApplications for Cross the Line Foundation Scholarship Program are due by April 14, 2023.Once the applications have been received and reviewed, Cross the Line Foundation will announce the recipients for the 2023 scholarships. |
