By Kyle LoJacono
The Land O’ Lakes Rowing Club’s second annual Row and Paddle for Hospice brought in just more than $2,000 for HPH Hospice.
The same event in 2010 raised $1,550, and club founder Mary Jane Kranendonk said the goal is to keep bringing in more each year.
“It means a lot to our family to help them because they have helped us so much,” Kranendonk said.
HPH offered support to the Kranendonk family to help deal with the loss of Kranendonk’s oldest son, Thomas, four years ago in a tractor-trailer accident.
“They offer a wonderful grief camp each March for children who have lost significant people in their lives,” Kranendonk said. Her son John attended the camp after Thomas died.
Laura Finch, HPH’s manager of bereavement services and children assistance programs, said the grief camp and other services from the organization could not exist without such donations.
“Without the generosity, time and talent of people like the Land O’ Lakes Rowing Club, HPH Hospice would not have the resources to assist the number of children who seek our services every year,” Finch said. “With their help, we’re able to help our community’s youngest members understand and cope with grief and loss.”
The event, which was at Lake Saxon Park in Land O’ Lakes, included rowing and paddling demonstrations, races, food vendors and massages for those who wanted to loosen up their muscles before or after the exercise.
The rowing club was formed earlier last year. Members paddle each Saturday or Sunday mornings at 7:30 a.m. For more information on the club, email .
