The morning forecast for Race Day — Saturday, Sept. 26, was “100 percent chance of torrential rain with thunder and lightning.” The early morning phone call asked if the Kayak and Canoe Race Day was going to be cancelled. But volunteers and racers alike showed up at the Lake St. George Marina between 7 and 8 a.m. for the Kayak and Canoe Race to benefit Plateau Pregnancy Services.

A special thanks and “well done” for all the participants, volunteers, and donors that made the Second 2009 ‘Paddle for Life’ on Lake St. George a fantastic success. Despite heavy rains, thunder and lightning, the racers and paddlers for this year’s event were able to raise over $3,400 to assist Plateau Pregnancy Services in their ministry to the unborn, expectant mothers, and young fathers. Our photo shows an enlarged check for over $2,900, but since the race an additional $500 has been donated.

PPS offers pregnancy tests, ultrasound tests, maternity and baby clothing, and equipment, childbirth and parenting classes, sexual integrity training, information about the risks, procedures and complications associated with abortion, information and referrals for those considering an adoption plan, referrals for medical care and social services, pastoral counseling to dads and spiritual support to mothers-to-be and families of the expected child. One of the greatest services offered is “Project Truth,” which is now going into four surrounding counties of Crossville, teaching abstinence courses in public schools. So they cover it all and do a great job thanks to the help of local churches and businesses offering funds and volunteer assistance.

The early morning racers and paddlers watched unbelievably sudden downpours ― torrential rain they called it. Then suddenly, as the rain slowed down, the race organizers, Faith Bible Fellowship of Fairfield Glade, combined races to take advantage of tiny windows of opportunity in the weather. However, the windows never lasted very long; kayakers and canoeists paddled anyway and everyone had a great time cheering the racers despite the dampening effect of the rain.

Through the generous donations of our sponsors: Dr. Stuart Galloway, Cumberland Eye Care; Lefty’s Barbecue; and Dr. Dale Perrigan; the race expenses were covered. Volunteers stood out in their neon chartreuse T-shirts and the racers in bright blue. Bright noodles stood upright to mark the course midst the rain. Many local businesses gave gifts that made the raffles a great success. Racers and many others raised booster teams to contribute to Plateau Pregnancy. Lefty’s Barbeque provided an excellent lunch for $5 per plate that racers, volunteers and spectators all enjoyed. Jack Melling also raced and brought his band, “Sounds of Country” for music before and after the awards ceremony. We heartily thank our local newspapers for such excellent coverage of the event as well!

Races winners sported a boat ID that helped us sort winners by age category even as we combined races to beat the weather. Winners of the men’s kayak races included: Race 1 (40-54): Dirk Davidson, first place; Race 2 (55-69) Carl Johnson, first place and Dick Cowburn, second place. Winners of the Women’s Kayak Races included: Race 3 (40-54): Ann Marie Picirilli, first place and Dine Minneci, second place; Race 4 (55-69): Ellen Claus, first place and Christine McGowan, second place; Race 5 (70+) Mary Best, first place and Claire Shipman, second place. The winners of the canoe race were, Linda Yates and Jim McCully. There were many racers who chose not to race that day but still raised booster teams. That’s how more than $3,400 was raised for Plateau Pregnancy, even in the midst of torrential rains.

The booster team that raised the most donations, $570, and won the grand prize (of dinner for four at the Legends Restaurant of FFG, ‘Prime Rib Buffet Night’) was Team Thompson — Gary and Patti Thompson. Second place booster winner team was Alf Assistance — Patrick and Margaret Brant; and third place was Jay and Sandy David of FFG.

We are looking forward to 2010 for a third Paddle for Life effort that will, hopefully, have better weather and more paddlers. But seeing what God could help us accomplish in spite of the weather was a real faith lesson for all of us. Though organized by Faith Bible Fellowship of FFG that meets at the Community Center on Sunday mornings, it was a real community effort from sponsors, raffle donors, musicians, racers, volunteers and Lefty’s Restaurant luncheon. Thanks again to all in behalf of Plateau Pregnancy Services. We couldn’t have accomplished it without you. Hope to see you all at the lake again next year!