MURRELLS INLET, S.C. (WPDE) — On Saturday morning people grabbed their paddle boards, kayak, and dogs to celebrate the first-ever "Paddle for PAALS" in Murrells Inlet. The event raised $5,000 for South Carolinians in need of service dogs.
The event marked the end of a month-long challenge where participants got sponsors in order to raise money for the charity.
PAALS (Palmetto Animal Assisted Living Services) is South Carolina's only program that helps people with disabilities get service animals. The goal of the event was to raise awareness and help the organization get back up and running after the pandemic forced PAALS to put a hold on their services.
"Paddle for PAALS" raise $5K for disabled South Carolinians in need of service dogs
Jennifer Rogers, the founding director of PAALS, couldn't have been happier with the turnout.
"It just makes me really proud that there are people that are starting to rally and want to part take in all this," she said.
PAALS trains dogs to help disabled South Carolinians live more independent lives.
"We train for people with mobility issues, PTSD, veterans and civilians, and then children with autism. And so, these dogs are life-changing for them," Executive Director of PAALS Elizabeth Anderson said. "In very many different ways, it helps them gain more independence in their life."
"Paddle for PAALS" raise $5K for disabled South Carolinians in need of service dogs
This purpose is why Lauren Jeffcoat, the founder of Be Soulfish, helped sponsor "Paddle for PAALS"
"These dogs have literally turned people's lives around. Whether it's helping someone pick up a remote control, the companionship and love a dog can offer is just a wonderful thing to witness," Jeffcoat said.
After the paddle parade, everyone went to Hot Fish Club to eat and enter the raffle in hopes to win a prize. One man walked away with a new paddle board and one lucky puppy won a whole box of treats.
If you're interested in learning more about PAALS, you can visit their website here.
wpde.com
The event marked the end of a month-long challenge where participants got sponsors in order to raise money for the charity.
PAALS (Palmetto Animal Assisted Living Services) is South Carolina's only program that helps people with disabilities get service animals. The goal of the event was to raise awareness and help the organization get back up and running after the pandemic forced PAALS to put a hold on their services.
"Paddle for PAALS" raise $5K for disabled South Carolinians in need of service dogs
Jennifer Rogers, the founding director of PAALS, couldn't have been happier with the turnout.
"It just makes me really proud that there are people that are starting to rally and want to part take in all this," she said.
PAALS trains dogs to help disabled South Carolinians live more independent lives.
"We train for people with mobility issues, PTSD, veterans and civilians, and then children with autism. And so, these dogs are life-changing for them," Executive Director of PAALS Elizabeth Anderson said. "In very many different ways, it helps them gain more independence in their life."
"Paddle for PAALS" raise $5K for disabled South Carolinians in need of service dogs
This purpose is why Lauren Jeffcoat, the founder of Be Soulfish, helped sponsor "Paddle for PAALS"
"These dogs have literally turned people's lives around. Whether it's helping someone pick up a remote control, the companionship and love a dog can offer is just a wonderful thing to witness," Jeffcoat said.
After the paddle parade, everyone went to Hot Fish Club to eat and enter the raffle in hopes to win a prize. One man walked away with a new paddle board and one lucky puppy won a whole box of treats.
If you're interested in learning more about PAALS, you can visit their website here.
'Paddle for PAALS' raises $5K for disabled South Carolinians in need of service dogs
On Saturday morning people grabbed their paddle boards, kayak, and dogs to celebrate the first-ever “Paddle for PAALS” in Murrells Inlet. The event raised $5,000 for South Carolinians in need of service dogs. The event marked the end of a month-long challenge where participants got sponsors in...
wpde.com
