(Aug. 18, 2016) Worcester GOLD, a nonprofit dedicated to helping county families make ends meet, will be holding an evening paddle on the Pocomoke River on Saturday as a new fundraiser.
The paddle will be held at the Pocomoke River Canoe Company, just off River Street in Snow Hill, and is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. Saturday and end at 8 p.m.
“This is the first time for this event, but I do hope it becomes annual,” Claire Otterbein, executive director, said. “Our mission is to provide services to low-income families like food, prescription medication, help for those facing eviction, transportation or things like utility bills.”
Last year, except for delivered goods like prepackaged food that is donated, Worcester GOLD spent about $47,000 helping local families, Otterbein said.
The paddle joins other Worcester GOLD fundraisers, but using the town’s location and star attraction — the Pocomoke River — is a new endeavor for Otterbein.
“We use space at the Department of Social Services,” she said, adding there are many benefits to the arrangement. Not only does DSS provide the space for Worcester GOLD to operate, thereby freeing up the money for a mortgage or rent for use by families, but the location also overlooks the river, providing the inspiration for the event.
Otterbein said there are two choices for the early evening paddle: the jaunt and the expedition.
The jaunt is a 60-minute guided paddle in canoe or kayak headed south from the drawbridge down to Goat Island and back. The expedition is also a guided paddle, but heads northward and should take about 90 minutes to complete.
Back on dry land, a cookout-style dinner will be served featuring hamburgers, hot dogs, vegetarian options and desserts.
Attendees of age are issued two premium drink tickets with admission and Frank Nanna and son will perform live music.
All guests will receive entries into two raffles: one for an overnight stay for two at Snow Hill’s River House Inn, including a canoe trip and lunch, and the second for a basket of goodies for an outdoors enthusiast, including an Assateague Island National Seashore pass, picnic ware, beach towels and a yoga mat.
There will also be a 50-50, Otterbein said.
The cost to attend is $50 for adult canoers/kayakers, children under 10 or those who wish to skip the paddle portion can pay $25. Participants who already have their own boats will also be charged just $25.
Preregistration through www.worcestergold.org is requested but not required. However, the rental boats will be distributed to those who have preregistered first, then it’s first come, first served.
Along with emergency assistance, GOLD offers several special projects throughout the year including the Spring Basket Project, School Supplies for Students Project and Helping Hands for the Holidays. These special projects provide services for hundreds of children and vulnerable adults each year.  
For more information, call Otterbein at (410) 677-6830.