All hands were on deck for an inaugural River Raft Regatta that recently launched from Capt. Hiram’s Bimini Beach. The event raised awareness and funds for United Against Poverty of Indian River County, which seeks to lift individuals out of poverty and into economic self-sufficiency.
Nearly 20 homemade watercraft appeared to be held together with little more than a prayer, but managed to stay afloat through the sheer will of their crews. Four-mate teams had duct-taped, tied and glued everything but the kitchen sink to create somewhat seaworthy, themed rafts out of such materials as 2-liter plastic bottles, bamboo, plastic barrels and plywood. If it floated, it was used.
Prior to the main event, teams from United Against Poverty and Capt. Hiram’s kicked things off with a competitive but friendly exhibition race, with the Poverty Crusher eking out a victory over the Captain’s Crew.
Family and friends gathered on the beach to cheer on their favorite teams as they made their way toward the shoreline, with the Vero Beach Lifeguard Association at the ready should any sinking ships need to be rescued. Skeletons, superheroes, pirates, rubber ducks and turtles went along for the ride as each team, in heats of two, paddled their hearts out in the 40-yard race, all hoping to beat the competition and claim first place.
All crew members and every part of the boats needed to be back on land before a team member could race to the victory bell and stop the clock.
In the end, the Pirate Crew took home first place with their speedy return to shore. The S.S. Rift Raft was named Most Spirited, and the Dirty Oars executed the Best Capsize.
“The community rallied and brought their best selves and their creativity,” said Matt Tanner, UPIRC executive director. “We wanted to raise some awareness about who we are and what we do, but also create a forum where families and individuals could come out and have fun.”
Proceeds from the regatta, a raffle and the sale of Capt. Hiram’s special Crush cocktails during the event will help support the nonprofit’s Success Training Employment Program. Tanner says STEP is on pace to graduate double the number of participants over last year.
Among other 2021 milestones, an inaugural UP Job Fair in July involved 50 employers and more than 200 job seekers. They have also developed key relationships with local employers, including Piper Aircraft, Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital and the School District of Indian River County.
Tanner said they hope to provide a pipeline of talented and trained individuals ready to get to work. He also noted that UP is currently working with Quail Valley Golf Club to launch a paid internship program there.
The UP Center has remained open throughout the pandemic, continuing to provide support for an increasing number of people looking for resources, guidance and support.
“It’s been a nonstop year for us. Our Crisis Stabilization team continues to see huge waves of folks coming in that want to change their lives,” said Tanner.
He explained that already this year, the Crisis Stabilization team has provided 100 percent more services than last year, including one-on-one assistance to more than 500 families.
The teams help individuals “identify barriers in their life and build an action plan with goals on how to get stable and get on a pathway to economic self-sufficiency,” said Tanner. “We see daily that awareness of our programs is spreading. We are here to help as the county’s leading social service agency.”
Next up is their annual Thanksgiving Day 5K Trot Against Poverty on Nov. 25 at Riverside Park. To register, visit trotagainstpoverty.org. For more information about UP programs, visit unitedagainstpoverty.org.
Photos by Kaila Jones
