Local masonic lodge hosting kayak race for charity

A Belmont man will host a kayak race this October and donate the proceeds to the Masonic Home for Children in Oxford and Gold Star Teen Adventures.

David Wilkes recently moved to Gaston County from Fayetteville.

As a freemason living in close proximity to Fort Bragg, Wilkes became familiar with Gold Star Teen Adventures, an organization that works with children of military parents who have lost a parent in action.

“It teaches them team building and coping skills,” Wilkes said. “Masons have three top virtues. It’s faith, hope, and charity.”

According to Wilkes, Masonic lodges in every region might have a different focus when it comes to their charity work.

“Our charity is to look after widows and children without parents,” Wilkes said.

Both organizations fit the criteria perfectly, according to Wilkes.

The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford offers children a place to stay when they cannot stay in their family home.

According to Wilkes, the Freemasons usually do barbeque sales or raffles to raise money for charities.

After visiting downtown Cramerton, he knew it would be the perfect place to raise money and get out into the community.

Crafting for Kids kayak race will take place from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 7.

The race is open to anyone above the age of five years old.

Wilkes encourages all water sports enthusiasts to participate, and has reserved two pavilions at Goat Island for spectators, participants, and their families.

The race will begin at the boat launch located behind the Cramerton Fire Department on 8th Avenue.

Contestants will kayak two miles up river until they reach the McAdenville Dam, then they must turn around and be the first kayak back at the starting line to win.

Contestants will be categorized by age and self-identification as either an elite paddler or a recreational paddler.

Winners from each group will get a prize.

The fee to enter the race is $30 for a single and $40 for a tandem kayak.

The event is currently bring-your-own kayak; however, Wilkes is working with Confluence to organize rentals for contestants who don’t have one of their own. Those interested in signing up can visit www.paddlesignup.com and locate the race by searching for Cramerton.

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Local masonic lodge hosting kayak race for charity