The 10th Annual Boating & Beach Bash for People with Disabilities will be held Sunday, March 4th , 2018, between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM at Spanish River Park, 3001 North Ocean Boulevard (State Road A1A) in Boca Raton. The Bash is the largest and oldest free, fun-day in America for those with special needs, their families and their caregivers.
Guests planning to attend are encouraged to pre-register at the event’s website, www.boatingbeachbash.com.
The Bash annually welcomes 5,000 guests, assisted by 500 volunteers drawn from every sector of the community. Offerings include boat rides on the Intracoastal, a concert, dozens of exhibitors, games, beach activities, a complimentary BBQ lunch, the chance to meet Super Heroes and interact with miniature therapy ponies, children can play at the Kids Fun Zone or ride on a miniature train and go in the ocean with the assistance of physical therapists and members of the YMCA Water Safety Team.
Additionally the Bash provides a Wellness Zone staffed by medical professionals from five area hospitals and students from four medicals schools. These healthcare experts coach guests on how to live a more healthful lifestyle through noninvasive testing and information sharing. Best of all those with disabilities and their caregivers can have their medical questions answered by the Bash’s team of volunteer doctors and nurses. Even registered pharmacists will be available to discuss drug interactions. Additionally nutritionists will guide guests in creating more healthful eating habits, while professional yoga and meditation teachers will coach attendees in utilizing relaxation techniques to help manage stress, pain and other issues.
The Miami Lighthouse for the Blind gospel choir will also be performing.
“We are so proud to reach this milestone in our history,” says Jay Van Vechten, Bash director. “This will be the first time we’ve ever held the event on a Sunday, but because of so many national holidays all on weekends next March (4th) we found the first Sunday of the month to be the ideal time for us to celebrate this important anniversary. We look forward to welcoming everyone to this special day.”
Nation’s Largest Free Event for Kids, Adults and Wounded Warriors with Special Needs Celebrates 10 Years on Land and on Sea
CLICK TO ENLARGE & SCROLL THROUGH LAST YEAR'S PHOTO GALLERY
MORE ABOUT THE BOATING & BEACH BASH
Now in its 10th year, the Bash reaches out to embrace the estimated 20% of Florida residents who live with physical and/or intellectual challenges–disabilities that are seen or unseen. In Palm Beach County however, 25% have a disability, among the highest number in the nation.
A true celebration of diversity, the Boating & Beach Bash demonstrates how a community can honor and salute those among us who struggle each day with unimaginable challenges. View previous year videos and media HERE
OUR GUESTS Many of our guests are people often overlooked by society. Their challenges place them outside the mainstream, and many of them are never seen at the mall, the movies or even at a fast food restaurant. Once a year they are invited into the sunshine for a joy-filled day that celebrates their diversity and embraces them as the unique individuals they are. Each March, young and old alike, come together with their families and caregivers to beautiful Spanish River Park in Boca Raton, where they are treated as world class VIP’s, from the moment they arrive.
THE LOCATION The setting for the Bash is Spanish River Park, located at 3001 North Ocean Boulevard (State Road A1A). The park, Boca’s most beautiful setting for an event like the Bash, is set between the Atlantic Ocean, with its pristine beaches on one side, and the scenic Intracoastal Waterway on the other. The heart of the park boasts grassy picnic areas, covered shelters, walkways and playgrounds—all nestled under a canopy of lush, tropical trees.
Did we mention that EVERYTHING is free from the moment our guests reach the park? Admission, parking, lunch, boat rides, the concerts and all Bash related activities are FREE and always will be. We welcome one and all.
The Boating & Beach Bash for People with Disabilities is presented annually by the American Disabilities Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3). It is sponsored in part by TD Bank, the Rotary Club of Downtown Boca Raton, Pepsico, Coldwell Banker, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Office Depot Foundation, Doubletree by Hilton Hotels and more than a dozen area foundations, including Harcourt M. and Virginia W. Sylvester Foundation, Inc., The Schmidt Family Foundation, Inc., the E.M. Lynn Foundation, Inc., and private donations.
GET INVOLVED, DONATE, SPONSOR OR VOLUNTEER
For more information about the Bash, write: Boating & Beach Bash, PO Box 99, Boca Raton, FL., or call 561.715.2622. Visit us at www.boatingbeachbash.com, or follow the Bash on Facebook: Boating & Beach Bash for People with Disabilities.
To donate to the American Disabilities Foundation, Inc., write to ADF, PO Box 99, Boca Raton 33429. Donations can also be made via PayPal on the Bash website HERE
