FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                     CONTACT: rob@standuplkn.com

March

15, 2016                                                                                  

Ray Evernham

Hosts WPA-Sanctioned Paddleboard Race to Raise Funds for Autism

– Racing Icon

Ray Evernham and My Aloha Paddle and Surf

Host World

Paddle Association Points Race to Benefit the IGNITE Community Center in

Davidson, NC –

(Mooresville,

N.C.) – My Aloha Paddle and Surf, in partnership

with 3-time NASCAR champion crew chief Ray Evernham, will host the second

annual Stand Up for Autism to benefit the IGNITE community center and the

Autism Society of North Carolina on Lake Norman May 13-14, 2016, 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 second regional

points race on Lake Norman.

“It

is very exciting to see our local paddlers and the community participating to

contribute to this important cause,” 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 or Asperger's Syndrome. 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 and was founded in 2012 by NASCAR champion crew chief

Ray Evernham, whose son, Ray J, has Asperger’s Syndrome.

“We

are extremely excited to partner with Rob and his team at My Aloha Paddle and

Surf again this year to put on another great event,” said Evernham, who is a

Lake Norman resident and paddleboard enthusiast. “It’s great to see the

paddleboarding community come together to support IGNITE in such a meaningful

way. I look forward to seeing everyone on the water May 14^th!”

The

event will begin Friday evening with a kickoff party from 6-9 p.m. at Port City

Club, which will include food, beverages, music, and a live auction. On

Saturday, 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.

To

learn more about sponsoring or volunteering, please contact det@rayevernham.com. All event proceeds will benefit the IGNITE

community center and the Autism Society of North Carolina.

To

purchase tickets for the Friday evening Meet and Greet or Saturday Luau visit: http://standupforautismlkn16.eventbrite.com.

Background:

·        

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong developmental

disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. A

prevalence study by the CDC indicates as many as 1 in 58 8-year-old

schoolchildren in North Carolina may be diagnosed with autism.

·        

For more than 45 years, the Autism Society of North Carolina

has worked to address areas of need and expand services for the autism

community in North Carolina. ASNC works to directly improve the lives of

individuals affected by autism by providing advocacy, education, and services.

For

more information, call 1-800-442-2762 or visit www.autismsociety-nc.org.

Paddle Board Events

6.5 Mile Elite Long Course

May 14th, 2016 7am-8am Check-in, 8:15 start

Cost:      $65.00         Includes a Race Day T-Shirt and a Luau Ticket     

This registration price available until April 30, 2016.

Long Course Participant: A person that races frequently and maybe interested in competing at a higher level with better paddlers. This person can also manage and adapt to various water conditions like with waves, current and more difficult conditions on the open ocean.

Cash Prize is $500 for 1st place($250/Mens and $250/Womens)

Sponsor prizes to be announced

May 14th, 2016  7am-8am Check-in, 8:30 start

Cost:        $45.00       Includes a Race Day T-Shirt and a Luau Ticket  

This registration price available until April 30, 2016.

1st Place Prize - Carbon fiber high performance Paddle - By Yolo and Pinnacle Paddles
Short Course Participant: A person that does not race on a regular basis or is just beginning to race in the sport and is also not interested in competing at a high level of competition. The racer most likely has not placed in the top 10 of their division in a race.

Sponsor Prizes-

TBD

.5 mile Kids race under 14 years old
May 14th, 2016 7am -8am Check-in, 10:45 am start

Cost: $15.00

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