Event: HELPING END HUNGER AT THE MOUTH OF YORK RIVER
Nationally recognized accordion player Gary Sredzienski (pictured left) has become a local legend thanks to his energetic surf-music band, his long-running 1950’s-style WUNH radio show and for being the focus of the one-man play “Creek Man.” But another feat is gaining momentum as his claim to fame. Sredzienski dives into the water every December, defying the tides and the temperature, to do a charity swim. This year, he is taking the plunge for Share Our Strength Seacoast.
On Sunday, Dec. 13, Sredzienski will swim five miles along the York River to the ocean to raise money to help end childhood hunger. This will be Sredzienski’s third charity swim, so, to add a new twist, he will get out of the water and put on a Serfs holiday show at The Stage Neck Inn in York Harbor. Sredzienski said he chose Share Our Strength Seacoast because he is angered by the paradox of childhood hunger in such a prosperous nation. “America is the richest land in the world and yet some kids are denied basic human needs,” he said. “To know that 1 in 6 children won't even have a simple breakfast tomorrow morning - I just can't get over this. It boggles my mind.” Sredzienski has swum to The Isles of Shoals and along the Piscataqua River, which has one of the strongest currents in the country, to help other causes. Swimming in the York River this year could mean some of the coldest temperatures he has faced. Sredzienski says the challenges of the winter swim pale in comparison to what hungry kids face every day.
“The holidays are coming and it breaks my heart to know that a child will be hungry during that time, during the winter. The cold and pain that I have to endure for such a short time is nothing compared to what so many have to endure. It kills me to know a child has to endure hunger.”
Won't you please sponsor this fundraising page and help end hunger at the mouth of the York River? And then come join Gary at the Stageneck Inn from 5-7 PM on December 13, 2009 for the Serf's Holiday Extravaganza. All proceeds to benefit the efforts of Share Our Strength Seacoast to end childhood hunger in our community.
Special thanks to the Stage Neck Inn and Robert's Maine Grill for sponsoring this event!
