Week 34 of #52weeksofgiving - Special Surfers - Kennebunk, ME
On week 34 of #52weeksofgiving, we are excited to share Special Surfers in Kennebunk, Maine, an organization that provides people with special needs with the opportunity to surf. Our very own Hannah Wuerthner has been volunteering with the Maine nonprofit for the past eight summers and is also a board member.
Last week, Hannah volunteered at the Above Board Starry, Starry Night benefit for Special Surfers. The beautiful event was held at the Vinegar Hill Music Theatre in Arundel. Everyone enjoyed dancing to live music by The Carmine Band, specialty drinks, and delectable cuisine provided by Walkers Maine and award-winning chef Justin Walker.
Above Board, another nonprofit that hosts an annual party to benefit a different York-area beneficiary each year, set a goal to raise $30,000. The money will go toward much-needed surfboards, SUPs, wetsuits, fins, and stabilizing chairs to equip Special Surfers to continue creating wonderful experiences on the waves for people with special needs.
Thanks to Hannah for sharing this fantastic charity! Your generosity and acts of kindness inspire us.
Read on to learn more about Special Surfers and how you can help.
About Special Surfers
Special Surfers was founded by Nanci Boutet in 2003, starting with an effort to provide a memorable experience for three kids on the spectrum. Since then, the team of surfers and community members have created surfing experiences for many children and young adults with special needs. They developed this program to show their community the joy they can bring to those with special needs and their families through volunteerism and generosity.
Special Surfer events occur on the third Tuesday of each month in June, July, and August at Gooch’s Beach in Kennebunk. Each surf is free for participants and their families and includes all equipment and instruction. Hundreds of surfers and volunteers attend every event, and everyone leaves feeling a sense of joy and accomplishment.
So far, their 2022 surfs have had BIG turnouts regarding the number of volunteers and participants!
June: 99 Special Surfers + 234 volunteers
July: 122 Special Surfers + 259 volunteers
August looks like it will be a record-breaking month!
Clearly, this wonderful group of people has an impact on their community. Special Surfers has received multiple awards and accolades, including:
A Points of Light Award, after being nominated by Barbara Bush.
Awards from the YMCA for their volunteer participation.
Features in news articles, online videos, and Maine and New Hampshire news programs.
Individuals with developmental, emotional, and physical challenges are welcome to join this special needs surfing program. The Maine nonprofit recommends consulting your doctor if you have concerns.
How to Support Special Surfers
Special Surfers offers many volunteer opportunities—and they have a job for everyone, especially since their program continues to grow! You can help on the waves, land, or a little of both. Volunteer jobs include:
Wave Captain: Perfect for those with a few years of surfing experience, the Wave Captain pushes their Special Surfer to catch the wave.
Surfer’s Assistant: Those who want to be in the water but don’t have surfing experience can help their Special Surfer get off the board when their ride is done and return to the Wave Captain and help prevent collisions.
Wet Junior Hero: Volunteers under 16 who want to get wet can register and be assigned a role according to their skills.
Dry Volunteers: if you’d rather stay dry, you can help with setup, check-in, and directing people where to go.
Clean Team: These volunteers help clean boards and wet suits, then sort and load/hang them up.
Learn more about becoming a Special Surfers volunteer here.
You can also show your generosity by donating to help Special Surfers cover the significant costs required to run their program. Funds go towards supplies and equipment, including wetsuits, Tillet Race Chairs, soft surfboards, Splashy Chairs, Flexible Fins, and more.
Whether you make a one-time or recurring donation, every bit helps them continue delivering wonderful surfing experiences to people with mental, emotional, and physical challenges!
To keep up with Special Surfers’ efforts and how you can support them, follow them on Instagram @specialsurfers or Facebook. And please share them with any family you feel could benefit from this unique surf therapy event!