At Hearty Roots’ fourth annual Paddle for a Purpose community fundraiser on Saturday, June 14, it’s not all about the kayaks! Whether someone takes on the fun-filled paddle down the Damariscotta River first, or just jumps in for the after-party, a great time is guaranteed. Proceeds from the event will benefit the mindful work of Hearty Roots, a Lincoln County-based non-profit, as it fosters community wellness through connection, adventure, and reflective experiences. 

Shuck Station in Newcastle will be the site of the post-paddle action, and two fantastic local bands will get everyone on their feet to dance (even those tired boaters!).   

The Boney Rolls, featuring Dominic Lavoie, Stu Mahan, Mike Chasse and Richard Corson, take their listeners back to the golden era of rock, channeling the raw energy, melody, and spirit of the 60s and 70s. With a deep love for the classics, they bring to life the music of Tom Petty, The Beatles, The Grateful Dead, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, Neil Young, Pink Floyd, and more, delivering each song with authenticity, fire, and a groove that keeps audiences coming back for more. 

The Funktette are a homegrown Boothbay-area crew, led by vocalist Douglas Gimbel and featuring Steve Jones on guitar and vocals, Scott Eliot on bass and vocals, and Ed Arnold on drums. Their style is improvisational, interactive and topical.  

The party festivities will kick off at noon at Shuck Station, where food will be available for purchase and attendees can enjoy refreshments donated from Bissell Brothers and Devenish wines. In addition to great food and drink, and music, a live auction will be held, featuring unique items and experiences. 

Generous sponsors include ALKU, Bissell Brothers, Carson Douglas Landscape Design, Devenish Wines, Glidden Point Oyster Farm, HM Payson, Knickerbocker Group, Love and Lobsters, Maine Behavioral Health, Midcoast Kayak, Ocean Blue Fitness, Simmons Seafood and The First National Bank. 

Tickets for the full Paddle for a Purpose event are $100 for adults and $50 for kids age 12 and older, and include a shuttle from town to Glidden Point Oyster Farms, a morning snack and coffee, Paddle For A Purpose swag, one drink ticket, entrance to the party, and a base donation to Hearty Roots.  

For those wishing to attend the post-party without paddling, donations to Hearty Roots will be gratefully accepted. For more information, go to heartyroots.org/paddle-for-a-purpose. 

Hearty Roots is a youth development organization that mindfully fuses social-emotional wellness with nature connection by offering year-round programming and in-school offerings, along with pop-up events—all under the canopy of the great outdoors.. The proactive, inclusive and out-of-the-box approach to youth programming allows kids to access the outdoors in all seasons so they can restore, rejuvenate and reset. To learn more about Hearty Roots, go to www.heartyroots.org. There, you’ll also find information about upcoming events and volunteer opportunities. The Hearty Roots crew welcomes you to stop by their office headquarters at 18 Water Street, an in-town presence made possible by the generous, community-minded team at First National Bank.