Paddle for Pink www.paddleforpink.org  hosted annually by the Machestic Dragons, New Jersey’s first breast cancer survivor’s dragon boat team, is a premier community dragon boat festival.  

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The event is a breast cancer awareness fundraiser and proceeds are donated to local breast cancer programs that provide free services to breast cancer patients/survivors.   

 

The first Paddle for Pink in 2007 was a small community festival hosting a dozen dragon boat teams and by 2013 had grown into a daylong fundraising event of up to 50 teams.  It is unique by offering a large Silent Auction and Live Entertainment in addition to vendors and contests.  It is a “favorite festival” of many teams!   

 

All races pause at mid-day for the “Flowers on the Water” ceremony as the breast cancer teams join in unity on the water to show together we are stronger than apart.  Pink carnations are tossed into the water for those who have experienced breast cancer and in remembrance of those who have succumbed to this disease.  As flowers spread upon the surface of the water, we reflect on how these lives have touched us and how we bond together to combat breast cancer and help survivors live active, rewarding lives. ​ 

 

Community participation makes this festival special and successful with over 1000 paddlers, many highly appreciated volunteers, sponsors, donors and spectators.