Paddlers for Hearty Roots’ (HR) Paddle for a Purpose fundraiser fought low temperatures, wind, rain and choppy waters Saturday June 3 as they paddled five miles down the Damariscotta River, from Damariscotta Town Landing to Glidden Point Oyster Farm. “It took true grit to paddle today, but they turned out,” said HR’s executive director, Haley Bezon.

The Paddle for a Purpose fundraiser, now in its second year, is supported by over a dozen businesses and sponsors, and over 30 businesses, artists and people donated items for the silent and live auctions held at the after party.

Last year, paddlers with big hearts donated $20,000 to help kids “Get off the Grid and Into Their Hearts,” said Shannon Parker, HR capital campaign coordinator. The second annual event is expected to bring more when amounts are tallied. 

Artist Nate Garrett of South Portland demonstrated his Gyotaku painting. Gyo means fish and taku means to rub, in Japanese, he explained. Gyotaku is believed to have originated in the 1800s as a means for Japanese anglers to record their catches. Ink is applied to fish, then rice paper is used to make a print. Garrett traveled to Glidden Point the week prior to the event to handpick five oysters which he painted and framed and contributed to the auction. “I believe in using art to drive community, help and support,” he said.

Awards went to paddlers of note: The “Spirit Paddle,” to Molly Thibault for her fun and flare, and cheerful outlook despite a brief, unexpected swim. Thibault, a member of Southport’s Little Dippers, also took a midnight full moon cold plunge later that day; Danielle Young received the “Smelled All the Roses” award, also known as the slowest paddler; Maxine Zehn, “Youngest Paddler”; and Gus Bezon won the first place “Speedy Gonzales” award.

HR sold out its 100 paddle spots, and 145 attended the after party.

Primo Cubano filled the event with energetic salsa-vibe dance music. Larry Sidelinger, executive director of Lincoln County Television, was MC. Teenager and self-professed “Hearty Roots Biggest Fan” Corrine Rogers gave the opening speech to kick off the after party. “I’ve been hanging out with Hearty Roots for three years now. I keep coming back because it’s bussin’. I know ya’ll don’t know what bussin’ means, bussin’ is hard to explain but it means that you love it so much that you want to do it over and over and over,” she said. “I love Hearty Roots because Ms. Haley Bezon is a kind, loving and confident ‘gangster.’ She’ll do anything to make you feel happy, loved and confident.”