Richard Ronde

June 25th Update:
Beaufort Dragonboat Raceday Wrap-up

What a great day today was at the Beaufort Waterfront. Over $70,000 was raised for cancer survivors by hundreds of participants in the Beaufort Dragonboat Races. Thank you to everyone who sponsored me and help exceed my goal. I am very grateful and humbled by your generosity. P.S. – I was the top fund raiser for the Knights of Columbus boat! THANK YOU!
The day featured 29 teams racing on the water. From the opening ceremony to the final award presentation it was a wonderful experience.
The icing on the cake – The Knights of Columbus Boat won the Gold Medal in the C Division. The team also won the Spirit Award for their “K of C” chant and the Hallelujah Cup for best church boat.
A Fantastic Day for a Worthy Cause filled with Wonderful People, Praise Be To God! THANK YOU!

June 16th Update:
Thank you to everyone who has made a donation and allowed me to go over my pledge goal. God Bless you and my sincere thanks!
I wish I could tell you my training was going according to plan but………… To many distractions here in Margaritaville and too many trips. However, I am committed to the Knights of Columbus Dragonboat on June 25th at the Beaufort waterfront. We had our first “dry” practice on Monday, June 13th. All the paddlers got to meet each other and we learned the proper technique for paddleing and the commands. Also learned that each race lasts approximately 90 seconds. That doesn’t sound too bad, I’ll let you know when it’s over.
There is still time to make a donation. Let me remind you that all monies raised are for cancer surviors here in the Low Country. God Bless you again for your generosity and if you are in the Beaufort, SC area on Saturday, June 25th come down to the waterfront and cheer us on. We will be there from 8:00am – 3:00pm. Paddles Up!

May 13th Update:
To everyone who has donated to date, THANK YOU!
To show you my commitment to the Dragon Boat Race, today, my birthday, I have returned to the gym for the first time in over a year. It felt good but I’m sure it will hurt in the morning. I have several reasons for getting back to working out, one of course is to prepare for the Dragon Boat Race. I am excited to be part of this event and especially to be part of the Knights of Columbus Team. If you are not aware, the Dragon Boat Race raises money for local cancer survivors. Please consider sponsoring me or any other paddler on any team for this great cause. And if you are local, come down on June 25th and cheer on all the teams. God Bless you.

I am a new resident to the Low Country moving to South Carolina in January 2021. I recently moved into my new house in Margaritaville Hilton Head in October 2021 with my wife Mary. I have been a member of the Knights of Columbus for over 30 years. The first principle of the Knights of Columbus is CHARITY and that is why I am part of the Beaufort Knights of Columbus Dragon Boat Team! Help me support local cancer survivors by sponsoring me in the Dragon Boat race on Saturday, June 25th.