Lakeland Father and Sons Plan Kite Boarding Event For a Cause

Feb 14, 2013

Funds raised will help build an orphanage in Tanzania

LAKELAND, FL, FEB 14, 2013- A Lakeland father and his three sons will be kite boarding 50 miles from Miami to the Florida Keys in March. Not just any ride, their mission is to raise $50,000 to build a self-sustaining home in Tanzania, Africa for 12 orphaned children. The target date for the first annual FreeRide836 event is a 5-weekend wind window between Mar. 1, and Mar. 31, 2013.

What started as a family mission trip to Guatemala through an organization called Orphan’s Heart, became a life-changing event that took Mark Russell’s family in a totally different direction. As they returned home, they were not only exceedingly grateful for what they had, but motivated to do more. They wanted to go beyond feeding hungry children, they felt called to build them a home and give them a family.

Throughout Mark’s life, riding on the water was always his freedom. Growing up in Miami, he would drive on the 836 to the beach for a day of riding and living. As an avid water sports family, Mark desired to tie his passion for kite boarding to helping others. It was his dream to teach his three boys to participate, and to find a way to use kite boarding to teach them about generosity. Mark and his family created the phrase ride, live, give, and then went on to organize the first annual Freeride836 kite boarding event.

To Mark’s surprise, professional kite boarders have offered to ride alongside them in this event to help them with their mission. 100% of the funds raised will build the first home of a self -sustaining orphanage which will care for parentless, homeless children in a family style atmosphere. Mark, his sons, and his team are seeking individual and corporate sponsorships to raise over $50,000. A $15.00 contribution will purchase one square foot of the home. Donations can be made through their website at www.freeride836.com. All proceeds will go directly to Orphan’s Heart, a tax deductible 501(C)(3) organization. “This will not only be an exciting ride, but a ride with a purpose. One with life changes at the core of its motivation,” said Mark Russell.

About Freeride836
The first annual Freeride836 kite boarding fundraiser is an outpouring of concern, commitment, and a little obsession to ride, live, and give to others. The date for the first annual event is a 5-weekend wind window between Mar. 1, and March 31, 2013, targeting a launch from Crandon Park on Key Biscayne. All funds raised will go directly to Orphan’s Heart, a 501(C)(3) organization that feeds, clothes, and shelters children worldwide. For more information visit: www.freeride836.com or www.facebook.com/freeride836. 

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