The ninth annual Dragon Boat Festival was held on Sunday, July 13, at Lake Lenape East in Mays Landing. Hosted by Cancer Support Community New Jersey at Gilda’s Club, the event serves as the largest fundraiser for the organization, benefiting cancer patients and families throughout our region. Over twenty dragon boat teams, consisting of area businesses, dragon boat clubs, community members, and cancer survivors, participated in a full day of friendly competition and a fantastic show of community support.
The day began with a traditional eye-dotting ceremony, waking the dragons from their long sleep. Lakeside, hundreds of paddlers prepared for a series of dragon boat races, while participants and spectators gathered to support their teams. Everyone throughout the park enjoyed a festive atmosphere as local food vendors served their most delicious creations and thirst-quenching beverages. Several area businesses and organizations were also in attendance, and race announcements were provided by professional DJ Tina Tkacz.
While there is a lot of competition for fundraisers, particularly in the summer, Cancer Support Community New Jersey has made dragon boating their own, according to CEO Eileen Dillon. “For us to be involved in dragon boating, it just makes good sense. It is something that we have literally branded in this area.”
Two of the featured races include the Casino Cup, where Atlantic City casinos go head-to-head in a paddle of the ages. This year, Hard Rock’s Rock’n Rowers took home the top prize. Then there is the Hospital Cup, a race made up entirely of local medical providers. The AtlantiCare Cancer Crushers dominated with a stellar performance.
In other races, Funny Farm Fugitives made a run to first place in the Community Division, while Hope Float USA, a team made up entirely of breast cancer survivors, paddled an impressive four-way race to take the top spot among other survivor teams.
Dragon boat racing has become popular among individuals battling cancer. The movement began nearly thirty years ago when a Canadian specialist advised his patients to join dragon boat teams as a form of exercise. It was later discovered that the paddling movement relieved the effects of post-treatment symptoms, strengthened chest muscles, and aided mental well-being.
During the middle of the event, hundreds gathered at the water’s edge for a traditional flower ceremony. Rachel Hahn of Voorhees read a prayer honoring all individuals at every stage of their cancer journey, for those newly diagnosed, in remission, or nearing the end of their fight.
This year’s Dragon Boat Festival raised over $115,000 for Cancer Support Community New Jersey at Gilda’s Club, with proceeds directly benefiting programs, much-needed support and resources for families and individuals affected by cancer. The organization is looking ahead to its tenth annual celebration next July.
Dillon credits all the hard-working volunteers, coordinators, and individuals who make the event possible, including logistical volunteer Alex Dannecker, and Brad Smith, Development Manager for CSCNJ. “Brad is a very valued party of our team. He has done an amazing job.”
Cancer Support Community New Jersey at Gilda’s Club is located at 700 New Rd. in Linwood. You can learn more by visiting their website at www.cscnj.org.
Photos by Steffen Klenk
