Press Release
Contact:Bill Cimino
410/218-4330
Paul Lore
734/657-6295
May 22, 2019 11:00 a.m.
To Aid Veteran and Active U.S. Military
An eight-mile paddle event from St. Marys, Georgia to Fernandina Beach, Florida to raise money for “Fight Oar Die” an organization that generates awareness for the prevention of suicide and the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among veteran and active military members will be held Saturday, June 15.
A pair of Amelia Island military veterans — Bill Cimino (US Army) and Paul Lore (US Marine Corps) – teamed up to created “Cross the Line” and are hoping to attract a wide variety of participants ranging from kayakers and rowers to paddle boarders and canoes. Each participant’s tax deductible $50 entry fee will go to the cause.
The first 50 to register will receive free transportation to St. Marys from the Fernandina based Amelia River Cruises.
The event will feature Chris Kuntz (US Army Special Forces), one of four military veterans who rowed 3,000 miles from the Canary Islands to Antigua in 54 days, from December 12, 2018 to February 4, 2019, in the initial Fight Oar Die fund raising event.
“Money from this event will go toward helping raise awareness of the severe mental issues many military members face after they return home from combat deployment – things like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and reintegration issues,” said Cimino, a former U.S. Army Ranger Captain.
More than 50 local businesses and individuals have agreed to support the cause by donating money, time and materials to the charitable effort. These include Amelia River Cruises, the downtown Hampton Inn & Suites, PJD’s Beer & Wine Garden, and MacGraphics Printing & Design. Support boats and volunteer EMT’s from the Fernandina Beach Fire and Nassau County Fire Departments, among others are donating their time.
Participants will leave the Fernandina Beach Marina at 7 a.m. aboard an Amelia River Cruise boat along with their kayaks, paddle boards, etc. to be transported to St. Marys. The event will start in St. Marys at 8 a.m. following the singing of the national anthem, by area entertainer and retired U.S. Navy Submariner, Hupp Huppmann.
For additional information or to sign up contact Bill Cimino at [email protected] (410) 218/4330 or Paul Lore at [email protected] (734) 657-6295.