Kickapoo Adventures hosts paddling fundraiser for veterans

VERMILION COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — Upwards of 60 people in Vermilion County grabbed their paddles and rowed to support military veterans this weekend.

Operation Honor Guard is a military non-profit that raises money for veteran services. On Saturday, Kickapoo Adventures helped them boost fundraising efforts.

American flags waved — and massive smiles were seen. Organizers and Kickapoo officials filmed the event. They hope to use Saturday’s paddle event to spread the word about Operation Honor Guard.

“I thought that I could use my resources to do something to raise money for veterans,” Julie Monahan said.

That’s exactly what Monahan did on Saturday. She’s the owner of Kickapoo Adventures and a 10-year Air Force veteran.

“Most of the people that were in the very front were veterans, and that was pretty cool,” she said. “I wish I could have had all veterans, but a lot of the people here have family members that were veterans.”

Monahan used social media to gather local people with military connections to paddle across a small lake at Kickapoo.

“They have grandfathers that served in World War II, Vietnam veterans — it was just amazing the amount of support that I received. It’s pretty cool,” she said.

10 women veterans from Vermilion County led the way. One of those included Megan Curtis. She said Operation Honor Guard helps families in need in communities throughout the U.S.

“This is an organization that’s there to help veterans and their communities, local small communities like Vermillion County, Danville and the surrounding towns. So, we’re hoping for donations today to keep this going, because nothing is free.”

Curtis said they hope more people learn about the event.

“To raise awareness is the goal. To raise donations is the goal. To raise support is the goal. To get it out there and bring people to Kickapoo and to have fun is the goal.”

More awareness means more people to support the operation.

“I mean, life is what you make of it. And why not help and support others and have fun in the meantime?” Curtis said. “And I think that that’s, you know, what Julie had planned for today and [it was a] success.”

Monahan said the event showed veterans stick together — on or off the battlefield.

“It’s good to drum up attention for them and for this cause. Paddling is great. Nature is great. This park is great, and it’s no problem getting people out on the water.”

This was the first year of the event. Monahan said it most likely won’t be the last. She looks forward to supporting the operation with similar events in the future.

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