2016 Paddle Battle in the books

The weather might have forced a couple participants to drop out of the postponed 3rd Annual Paddle Battle, but the number of paddlers undertaking the activity continues to increase. Last weekend, 28 paddlers participated in the event, a fundraiser hosted by the Petersburg Medical Center Foundation, beginning at Papke's Landing and ending at Sandy Beach.

"We ended up losing five people just because of the date change," said Sarah Holmgrain, community education assistant for PMC. "But I really think we wouldn't have had such a turnout, if we hadn't changed the day."

Twenty-two paddlers started the day from Papke's, over 12 miles out the road from Petersburg, picking up more paddlers along the way at Scow Bay and the harbors in town. Most all of the participants were in kayaks, but Kaitlin DuRoss completed the event on a standup paddle board all the way from Papke's. There was also a participant who joined the group from North Harbor to Sandy Beach in her row boat.

The Paddle Battle raises money through sponsorship of participants and general donations for the Petersburg Medical Center Foundation, and the funds go toward equipment with the ability to make an immediate impact on the facility. In the past, the facility received parallel bars in the physical therapy department and PMC's Long Term Care received a shower room renovation.

Holmgrain said this year's event raised $6,032 but the total comes up short of their goal of $9,000. The goal this year was to purchase a Carendo ergonomic shower chair, a highly versatile multi-purpose hygiene product. The equipment would allow one less staff person to assist residential patients. The task typically takes two, and the chair would also reduce risk of injury to patients.

"The thing about it is that, it's more than just a shower chair. It also allows them to use the bathroom facilities without having to be picked up," Holmgrain said. "It's pretty nice, and it's more common in larger hospitals."

The foundation will have to decide whether or not to continue fundraising efforts or cover the remaining expense of the shower chair from the general fund.

No matter what the outcome the event was successful and will hopefully keep growing, Holmgrain said.

"Overall it was a fun day and we certainly appreciate everybody," she said. "Each year we've added a few more participants, so that's nice."