On Saturday, September 10th and Sunday, September 11th, A Walk On Water (AWOW), a surf therapy non-profit organization, will host their 2nd Annual East Coast Surf Therapy Event at Ditch Plains Beach in Montauk.
“Last year’s event in Montauk was one of the most memorable events to date and we are honored to return and provide surf therapy to those in need,” explained AWOW president Steven Lippman. “The Montauk community has graciously opened their arms to us and made us feel like family and we are forever grateful for that.”
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The organization works closely with local communities, businesses and its volunteers and watermen. (Photo: Trevor Pikhart) |
Presented with support from John Paul Mitchell Systems, the two day event will provide children and adults with special needs the opportunity to “walk on water” and experience the therapeutic qualities of surfing with the help of AWOW staff and volunteers. “Giving back and inspiring others is what A Walk On Water is all about,” noted Lippman. “We have found that through surf therapy we are able to stimulate and empower minds in such profound ways that a newfound confidence and open-mindedness can be seen within minutes and impact daily routines forever.” Attendees will also enjoy refreshments from Montauk Juice Factory and lunch courtesy of Ditch Witch food truck.
“We welcome everyone to join us in the incredible, humbling surf therapy experience; whether it be families of special needs interested in participating, volunteers, supporters to help us cheer from the beach or individuals looking to explore the exciting merchandise,” added Lippman. “We look forward to working with local businesses and incredible family driven communities, like Montauk, for the long term with the launch of our new East Coast Chapter.”
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Since its launch in August of 2012, AWOW has served over 500 families and provided surf therapy to nearly 1,000 children and adults with special needs and their siblings. (Photo: Trevor Pikhart) |
On Saturday evening, The Montauk Beach House (55 South Elmwood Avenue, Montauk, 631-668-2112, thembh.com) will hold a fundraiser for AWOW from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Co-produced with Community Collaboration, the evening will feature cocktails, a silent auction, music, an awards ceremony for Surf Therapy participants, a raffle with incredible packages, and a special AWOW presentation. Julie Gilhart, Lisa Spellman, Jack Luber and Leilani Bishop will serve as the evening’s hosts.
Families interested in participating in the 2nd annual East Coast Surf Therapy Event must pre-register at www.awalkonwater.org by Sunday, September 4th. AWOW is also looking for event volunteers. To sign up, visit www.awalkonwater.org. The Surf Therapy Event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on both days.
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Along with the surf camp, The Montauk Beach House will host a fundraiser. (Photo: Trevor Pikhart) |
Founded in August of 2012, AWOW has worked with over 500 families and offered surf therapy to almost 1,000 children and adults with special needs and their siblings. AWOW hopes to grow the number of children that participate in events by at least 30 percent each year.
