Dashboards and Saddlebags the Destination Magazine™ Issue 049 April 2015 | Page 24

Paddle For Points At The Port M y Aloha Paddle and Surf, in partnership with 3-time NASCAR champion crew chief Ray Evernham, will host Stand Up for Autism benefitting the IGNITE community center and the Autism Society of North Carolina on Lake Norman May 8-9, at Port City Club in Cornelius, NC. The event will feature Elite and Recreational races, which are open to the general public. Limited paddleboard rentals will be available on a first-reserve basis. Paddleboard fitness demos will also be held. The race is sanctioned by the World Paddle Association (WPA) and will be the first regional points race on Lake Norman. “After four years of promoting paddleboarding and introducing so many of our residents to the sport, it is so exciting to host a WPA race here in Lake Norman,” said Rob Bennett, event director and owner of My Aloha Paddle and Surf. Stand Up for Autism will support IGNITE, a community center in Davidson for young adults with high-functioning autism (HFA) or Asperger’s Syndrome (AS). IGNITE offers activities, skills training, and educational workshops that foster social, financial, educational, and employment independence for its members. But most importantly, IGNITE offers a social environment in which members can connect with others and experience a sense of community. IGNITE is operated by the Autism Society of North Carolina. The event will begin Friday evening with a kick-off party from 6-9 p.m. at Port City Club, which will include food, beverages, silent auction and music. The pre-race meeting will start at 8 a.m. with the WPA Region 6 sanctioned Elite and Recreational races to follow. The awards ceremony on the beach will begin at 11 a.m. and be followed by a luau featuring the Island Hula Girls along with island music, food and fun activities for all ages. 24 Port City Club 18665 Harborside Dr, Cornelius, NC 28031 www.portcityclub.com Dashboards and Saddlebags The Destination Magazine™