FORK on the River charity paddle made possible by local sponsors

Everyone has heard the adage, “You gotta spend money to make money,” but those in the nonprofit sector really understand what that means.

From plotting locations to advertising to booking entertainment and food vendors, a lot of effort goes in months before an event actually takes place. That’s been true for the upcoming FORK on the River Charity Paddle set to return Saturday, June 6.

Thankfully, the Northwoods is a community filled with local businesses that are happy to help support the fundraising effort. For the second year, Trig’s Food and Drug in Eagle River will sponsor Trig’s FORK on the River Charity Paddle to benefit Feed Our Rural Kids (FORK).

The charity paddle will support FORK’s Family Food Helpline, a partnership between the organization and both the Vilas and Oneida County departments of Human Services.

“We are so ecstatic to be able to bring this event back for another year,” said FORK President Perry Pokrandt. “What the community support means to our organization is the difference between kids in the North having empty bellies and full bellies.”

The event is presented by Wildwood Outdoor Adventures in Eagle River and will again be the perfect chance for a day of family fun on the Wisconsin River.

Additionally, the event is sponsored by Sysco, Eagle River Roasters, Old Town, the 14 central and northern Wisconsin Forward Bank locations, the five locations of Redman Realty Group, Health In Motion’s 11 north central Wisconsin locations, Jet Boil, Old Town Canoes and Kayaks, Eagle Waters, WRJO Radio, Joshua Tree Skin Care, and the Vilas County News-Review.

In addition, the event is organized and hosted by Wildwood Outdoor Adventures and Campground, located on the corner of highways 17 and 70 in Eagle River.

“We have some really great supporters in this community,” Pokrandt said. “We couldn’t do this without them. We hope you can attend the paddle or the afterparty to see our supporters in action.”

Held the first Saturday in June, the outing features a two-hour recreational paddle on the Wisconsin River, which this year is highlighting WXPR Radio’s Poker River Run, with post-paddle music by Will Young and Carolyn Weber. A free brat will be available for anyone who attends the paddle or the post-paddle party, alongside refreshments for young and old.

FORK’s Family Food Helpline provides all Vilas and Oneida County residents information about the nutritional support programs serving their specific hometowns. Hungry? Just call 888-479-FORK (3675).

Paddle registration is still in progress, so anyone wishing to take part is urged to sign up soon. Individuals can bring their own boat or rent a canoe, kayak or standup paddleboard from Wildwood.
The cost for a participant to bring their own boat is $45. All proceeds benefit FORK.

To register for a preferred launch time, call 715-360-3200 or visit feedourruralkids.org/charity-paddle.

Feed Our Rural Kids is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.