<article><div style="line-height:1.5;box-sizing:inherit">Mission 50: Paddling for a Cause Aloha, Supporters of Our Nation’s Heroes! We are thrilled to announce the Mission 50: Paddling for a Cause, a five-month fundraising campaign culminating in the 3rd Annual 50-Mile Ocean Paddle on Saturday, May 3rd. This initiative is more than just a fundraising effort—it’s a movement to raise awareness for the mental health and service-related illnesses affecting Veterans, First Responders, and their families. Over the next five months, paddlers, supporters, and communities across the nation will unite to make waves of change. Together, we’ll amplify our message that #WaterSavesLives, while directly impacting the lives of those who’ve served and sacrificed for our nation. How You Can Help Paddlers are challenged to raise awareness and fund raise (their goal is $500) to fund programs that support healing and recovery for Veterans, First Responders, and their families. The Team and Individual who raises the most will receive recognition and a prize. Funds Raised Will Support TFH1 Lines of Effort : Surfing ProgramsOutrigger Paddling SessionsSurfboard Shaping WorkshopsMental Health Initiatives These programs empower our heroes to reconnect with nature, build resilience, and find solace through water-based activities. ** A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Hunter Seven Foundation, a nonprofit supporting Veterans battling illnesses caused by toxic exposure. Why This Matters, Sobering Realities Veterans: Each day, 17 Veterans lose their lives to suicide—a stark reminder of the urgent need for mental health support. First Responders: 1 in 4 first responders faces mental health struggles, and many succumb to suicide rather than risks faced in the line of duty. Service-Related Illnesses: Veterans exposed to toxic environments during service face a higher risk of cancers and chronic illnesses. Organizations like the Hunter Seven Foundation highlight the critical need for resources and support.Healing Through Water Research shows that water-based activities like paddling reduce stress, promote mental clarity, and foster resilience. For many, including our founder, Ricky Van Rickley, paddling has been a lifeline during personal battles, proving that the healing power of water can transform lives. Every stroke, every dollar, and every word of encouragement helps us honor our heroes and give them the support they deserve. Together, we can make a profound difference. Mahalo nui loa (Thank you very much),Ricky Van RickleyExecutive Director / Founder</div></article>

Aloha  <span contenteditable="false" data-custom-variable="{{firstname}}" fr-original-class="fr-deletable styled-tag-chip " fr-original-style style="background-color:rgb(248, 248, 255);border:1px solid rgb(191, 191, 255);border-radius:4px;color:rgb(42, 42, 196);display:inline-block;margin:0px;padding:1px 8px;font-size:11px;line-height:16px;overflow-wrap:anywhere;-webkit-touch-callout:none;-webkit-user-select:none;box-sizing:inherit">First name <span contenteditable="false" data-custom-variable="{{lastname}}" fr-original-class="fr-deletable styled-tag-chip " fr-original-style style="background-color:rgb(248, 248, 255);border:1px solid rgb(191, 191, 255);border-radius:4px;color:rgb(42, 42, 196);display:inline-block;margin:0px;padding:1px 8px;font-size:11px;line-height:16px;overflow-wrap:anywhere;-webkit-touch-callout:none;-webkit-user-select:none;box-sizing:inherit">Last name, Subject: A Heartfelt Thank You for Your Support of Task Force Hydro's 50-Mile Paddle!Dear [Donor's Name],I hope this note finds you well and filled with the same warmth and gratitude that we feel as we reflect on the incredible support we received for Task Force Hydro's recent 50-mile paddle event. Your generosity has left us truly humbled and immensely grateful.Your contribution is so much more than just a financial donation; it's a lifeline for our water-based programs. Thanks to you, we can continue our mission of saving lives and providing access to the healing properties of water. Your support ensures that individuals who may be struggling find solace, strength, and hope through our programs.The 50-mile paddle was not just a physical challenge; it was a testament to the power of community and collective action. Your belief in our cause fueled our determination every stroke of the way. Knowing that we had supporters like you standing with us inspired us to push through every wave and paddle on with unwavering resolve.Your generosity will have a lasting impact on those we serve. Whether it's providing swim lessons for children, facilitating therapeutic water activities for veterans, or supporting emergency response efforts, your donation helps us make a real difference in the lives of so many.Once again, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness, your generosity, and your unwavering support. Together, we are making waves of change and bringing hope to those in need.With sincere gratitude,[Your Name][Your Title/Role, if applicable]Task Force Hydro Richard Van Rickley ricky@taskforcehydro1.org 9049090232

Aloha, Paddler Fundraisers! Thank You for Volunteering to Make a DifferenceWe are incredibly grateful for your commitment to paddling in the 3rd Annual Mental Health and Service-Related Illnesses Awareness 50-Mile Ocean Paddle on Saturday, May 3rd. Your participation means so much—not just to Task Force Hydro1, but to the Veterans, First Responders, and families we serve. This event isn’t just a paddle; it’s a mission to bring attention to the mental health and service-related illnesses affecting our nation’s heroes. To make your fundraising efforts easier, we’ve added some tips below, along with a sample letter to share with your personal and professional networks. Why This Paddle MattersStaggering Statistics<ul><li style="box-sizing:inherit">Veterans: Every day, 17 Veterans lose their lives to suicide—a sobering reminder of the mental health crisis.</li><li style="box-sizing:inherit">First Responders: 1 in 4 first responders faces mental health challenges, and they are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty.</li><li style="box-sizing:inherit">Service-Related Illnesses: Veterans face a higher risk of rare cancers and chronic illnesses due to toxic exposures during service. Organizations like the Hunter Seven Foundation highlight these alarming rates, underscoring the need for action.</li></ul>Healing Through WaterWater-based activities such as paddling have been scientifically proven to reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and foster resilience. At Task Force Hydro1, we believe that water doesn’t just heal—it helps people survive. Our founder, Ricky Van Rickley, credits outrigger paddling with helping him heal physically, mentally, and emotionally during his battle with cancer.How to Maximize Your Fundraising EffortsHere are some tips to help you reach your $500 fundraising goal:<ol><li style="box-sizing:inherit">Start With Your Inner Circle<ul><li style="box-sizing:inherit">Share your mission with family, close friends, and colleagues.</li><li style="box-sizing:inherit">Be clear about your goals and why this cause is meaningful to you.</li></ul></li><li style="box-sizing:inherit">Use Social Media<ul><li style="box-sizing:inherit">Post updates about your training and event prep.</li><li style="box-sizing:inherit">Use hashtags like #Outriggers, #Veterans, #FirstResponders, #FuckCancer, and #ServiceRelatedIllnesses.</li></ul></li><li style="box-sizing:inherit">Text or Email Everyone in Your Contacts<ul><li style="box-sizing:inherit">Reach out to your entire contact list. A simple text or email can inspire someone to donate.</li></ul></li><li style="box-sizing:inherit">Leverage Your Professional Network<ul><li style="box-sizing:inherit">Ask colleagues, business partners, or clients to support your paddle.</li></ul></li><li style="box-sizing:inherit">Share Your Why<ul><li style="box-sizing:inherit">Talk about why you’re paddling and what it means to you personally.</li></ul></li><li style="box-sizing:inherit">Use the Sample Letter Below<ul><li style="box-sizing:inherit">Personalize the template letter to connect with potential donors on a deeper level.</li></ul></li></ol>Template Letter to Donors Subject: Aloha, [Friend’s Name]! I’m Paddling for a CauseDear [Friend’s Name], Aloha! I’m excited to share that I’m participating in the 3rd Annual 50-Mile Ocean Paddle on Saturday, May 3rd, to support Task Force Hydro1, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the mental health and well-being of our nation’s Veterans, First Responders, and their families. This isn’t just a paddle—it’s a mission. Every stroke of this 50-mile journey from St. Augustine to Hannah Park, Jacksonville is about raising awareness for mental health, service-related illnesses, and the incredible healing power of water.Why It Matters:<ul><li style="box-sizing:inherit">Every day, 17 Veterans and countless First Responders die by suicide.</li><li style="box-sizing:inherit">Service-related illnesses like cancer, caused by toxic exposures during service, are devastating our heroes.</li><li style="box-sizing:inherit">Water-based therapy, like paddling, reduces stress and fosters resilience. It’s helped many, including our founder, Ricky, who credits paddling with helping him heal during his battle with cancer.</li></ul>How You Can Help:I’ve set a personal goal to raise $500, and I’d be honored if you’d join me. A portion of the proceeds will also benefit the Hunter Seven Foundation, which supports Veterans battling service-related illnesses. To donate, please visit [Donation Link] and select my name as the paddler you’re supporting. Your support will make a direct impact on the lives of those who’ve served our nation. Mahalo nui loa (Thank you very much),[Your Full Name]Your efforts are the backbone of this event. Thank you for your dedication, passion, and commitment to our mission. Together, we can make waves of change and show our heroes that #WaterSavesLives! Warm regards,Ricky Van RickleyExecutive Director / Founder

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