Cape Cod Bay Challenge SUP Event Returns Virtually in 2020

SOUTH SHORE, Massachusetts – The Cape Cod Bay Challenge (CCBC), the oldest and most recognized stand up paddle (SUP) event in the northeast, returns virtually for its thirteenth year to benefit Christopher’s Haven, a home for kids when cancer hits home. Paddlers will complete the challenge on their own time from various locations between Saturday, August 1 and Saturday, August 8, 2020.

Due to current restrictions of COVID-19, the tradition of the CCBC will carry on this year with a virtual paddle. Participants will take to the water from any location of their choice to paddle a minimum 15-mile route in an effort to raise money and awareness for Christopher’s Haven. Paddlers are required to follow the COVID-19 Safety Guidance Guidelines for Recreational Boating in their state.

“We are committed to maintaining the spirit of the CCBC this year in a unique way,” said CCBC co-founder Bob Babcock. “We have come up with an excellent plan given the global pandemic that will allow us to safely host the event with a socially-distant celebration at the end. Our safety protocols will be strictly enforced as health remains our top priority.”

100% of the proceeds will benefit Christopher’s Haven, located at One Emerson Place in Boston’s West End, across the street from Massachusetts General Hospital. Over 450 families have stayed at Christopher’s Haven to date, and the Cape Cod Bay Challenge’s support over the past ten years has contributed to making those stays possible.

Photo courtesy: Cape Cod Bay Challenge Facebook

“It’s immeasurable what Bob, Mike and their team at Cape Cod Bay Challenge has done to support us for well over a decade,” said Christopher’s Haven Executive Director, Joyce Duvall. “We cherish all of our partners, but it’s truly special when an organization from outside the Boston region supports our cause and spreads the word of what we do to other parts of the state and beyond. Christopher’s Haven is welcoming and accepting of families and children from all over the state, the country and the world, and organizations like CCBC help us get that message across.”

To celebrate everyone's virtual paddle accomplishments, there will be a socially distant, seated dinner and music event for paddlers, friends and family on Saturday, August 8, 2020, at the Levitate Backyard/Rexicana Surf Cantina in Marshfield, MA.

Christopher’s Haven operates and manages nine residential apartments and a community area (The Loft) that offers a space for recreation, sharing and support for the families. Over 450 families to-date have stayed in the fully furnished and equipped apartments located at One Emerson Place (across the street from Massachusetts General Hospital). Families value the close proximity to the area medical centers, treasure the ability to be together in an apartment setting and cherish the much-needed support with other families facing similar circumstances during interaction in The Loft.

Paddler registration, ticket information and pricing can be found by visiting Eventbrite.

About Christopher’s Haven
Opened on Labor Day 2006, Christopher's Haven is a 501(c)(3) organization located in Boston, Massachusetts with a mission to operate a supportive community consisting of ten temporary apartments and a community recreation area for families of children being treated for cancer in nearby Boston hospitals. Christopher's Haven holds the distinction of being the only organization of its kind that offers an apartment setting for the entire family, specific programs and activities for children undergoing outpatient treatment, as well as programs for siblings and parents, and takes full advantage -- through the help of an extensive volunteer network -- of both the unparalleled medical and cultural advantages of Boston. For more information, please visit here.