RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY


 

North Port Area Chamber of Commerce came and visited us on December 11^th, 2011, and conducted a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in celebration of new members.  Captain Marian and Terri Curtis made sure everyone was greeted, while Ashlee Doot was our bartender.

Harry Hite, along with his wife, once again did a great job with all the catering.   We had good food and drinks, in a great atmosphere, while meeting some new and friendly faces! Thanks to everyone who came and it was our pleasure having you!

 

Santa came a little early for Nemo this year!  This little “yorkie” just struck his fancy! Not only were they the same size but had the same interests too!  After a few minutes, it was like they had been friends for years!

 

If you happened to be out on Boca Grande anytime around Christmas, chances are you saw us. It was a fun couple of days out on the water with Paige, our certified S.U.P. instructor.  Paige gave lessons right there on the spot!

We are looking forward to returning, so keep your eyes peeled for us next time you find yourselves on the island.

Grande Tours sponsored the event “Paddle for Paws,” on Sunday, January 8^th, 2012. It was a huge success! The weather was gorgeous. Lots of people came and took pleasure in the sunshine, kayaking and a good old fashioned cook out!  

100% of the proceeds from this event went to E.A.R.S animal shelter, (the only “no kill” shelter in the area).   All of the money raised benefits the animals by providing them with food, medicine and other necessities.  Grande Tours would like to thank E.A.R.S. animal shelter and also everyone who came and showed their support!

PADDLE FOR PAWS

E.A.R.S FUNDRAISER

Grande Tours will be sponsoring guided tours and a picnic to raise money for Rick Storsberg. Rick is a local paddler and worked as a Florida State Park Ranger at Oscar Scherer and Don Pedro Island State Parks. He spent the last 10 years working for the Sarasota County Park system at the Carlton Reserve and at Lemon Bay Park. Rick worked at Grande Tours and in fact, was our first full-time employee back in 1992. He has offered his assistance to many of the local kayak clubs, giving free rescue training. 

Rick organized the Sarasota Greenland Style rolling competition and has volunteered with both the Charlotte County and Lee County kayak festivals.  He has been diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, a non-treatable lung disease and will need a lung transplant. 

Rick Storsberg
Fundraiser



ALL DONATIONS GO TO
"Help Hope Live"
The National Transplant Fund

Rick has spent his career serving the community.   Let’s offer him a helping hand!  100% of donations will go to HELPHOPELIVE (The National Transplant Fund) in his honor to help him pay for medical expenses.  This event is taking place on January 22^nd, 2012 right here at Grande Tours (12575 Placida Rd.) A $25 donation includes launch, guided tour, food and a kayak rental if needed.  The gates will open at 8:30AM. At 9:00AM there will be a 50/50 raffle for a Greenland paddle!  Tickets are on sale for $5 or 5 tickets for $20.  At 9:30 a.m. there will be a tour designed for intermediate paddlers and at 10:30 a.m. there will be a tour for the novice paddlers.  At 1:30 p.m. we will have a picnic and at 2:00 p.m. is the drawing for the Greenland paddle.  

Come on out and support a good cause with us.  
Hope to see ya then!

 Boca Grande Club out having fun

Who knows where he will turn up next? 

Doesn't Everyone?