OUR STORY
Heroes Helping Heroes
Paddling For Pennies was started in 2013 in North Carolina, when two firefighters wanted to help their own and others that serve. Paul Zais and Allen Williford decided to Paddle 193 miles down the Neuse river from North Raleigh at Falls Dam down to New Bern, raising funds in support for first responders and our military family. The duo asked simply for a penny per mile paddled and with that, the grassroots organization Paddling For Pennies was born.
193 miles and many new friends later, the pair were inspired to make the paddle an annual event. The Paddling For Pennies team raises money each year and donates directly to families of first responders, active military, and veterans. To date Padding For Pennies has been honored to support six families, and has supported many similar charities.
New projects are currently being developed to expand the offerings for those we support.
Paddling for Pennies finds it an honor to support and build personal relationships with the individuals and families for whom we raise funds.
To date, Paddling For Pennies has supported veterans from the Navy and Army. Additionally, our organization has supported firefighters from Wilmington, Asheville, and Clayton.
