Paddling for Pennies' mission is to provide emotional, physical, and financial support to first responders, active-duty military, and veterans experiencing hardship.

Paddling For Pennies started in 2013 when two firefighters from North Carolina wanted to help their own and others that serve. Allen Williford and Paul Zais decided to Paddle 193 miles down the Neuse River from Falls Dam in Raleigh to New Bern, with a mission to raise funds that would support first responders, the military, and their families. The duo simply asked friends and family to donate a penny per mile they paddled. 193 miles later and with many new friends, the pair were inspired to make the paddle an annual event. And... Read more