Film Fest – First Descents Fundraiser!
We conquer cancer. Cancer does not conquer us. That was the take-away from the 2015 Gorge Paddling Film Festival hosted at River City Saloon on Friday, May 1. Catherine Loke, with the support of the Kayak Shed made the event a resounding success. The Columbia Gorge whitewater community packed the house and raised over $2800 for First Descents, a program dedicated to providing life-changing outdoor adventures for young adults impacted by cancer.
Folks line up for the festivities
The National Cancer Institute recognized First Descents as a legitimate resource for fighters and survivors of cancer in 2012. The program strives to provide those fighting and surviving cancer with a challenging outdoor experience that builds confidence and pride. By challenging themselves in real outdoor experiences, with small groups of their peers, participants heal through action rather than therapy groups.
Wet Planet is proud supporter of the First Descents program. Each summer we host 4 one week kayak camps for First Descents. We welcome volunteers who are interested in assisting our instructors and/or documenting the camp by providing photo and video support. All volunteers should be experienced and comfortable in Class III whitewater.
Cat shares the values of First Descents with a full house at River City Saloon
A big thank you goes out to all that came out to the Gorge Paddling Film Festival and helped support the efforts of First Descents. Proceeds from the film fest go toward providing free meals, accommodations, and program activities and travel scholarships for First Descents participants. If you missed the Gorge Paddling Film Festival but would still like to make a donation, follow this link.
Congratulations to all of the film festival finalists for producing spectacular kayak films and to the winners: Liam Field (Young Guns), Ali Casas (Amateur), and the Serrasolses Brothers (Professional)!
