Canoeing for Kids (27 mins.)
Brian Harmon
Saturday 6:00 PM at the 701 Center for Contemporary Art
The documentary is made in affiliation with nonprofit Shedding Light. While Shedding Light has primarily been involved with still photography, we are examining the benefits of video to more fully utilize technology to raise awareness. The main subject of the documentary is Canoeing For Kids, a local nonprofit organization that provides disadvantaged children a rafting experience on the Saluda River. We tell the story of Jay Alley, the founder of Canoeing for Kids, and his 2054 mile journey from New York to New Orleans in order to raise money to start Canoeing for Kids. Approximately 15 years and 20,000 children later, Canoeing for Kids is still going strong. The film will be presented to Canoeing For Kids, for use in marketing and fund raising efforts. The film also features Bethlehem Community Center (since 1954), a local nonprofit dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing afterschool and summer environment for inner city kids. Bethlehem Community Center will also be provided rights to use the film for fundraising. Alternative shorter edits, designed to be embedded online, will be available to each organization for use in future fundraising activities.