The Rotary Club of St. Albans
& Northwestern Medical Center Present
Cardiac Champ Challenge
Beating Heart Disease… One Paddle Stroke at a Time
July 27, 2025
Kill Kare State Park
8am
See you on the water!
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Event Highlights
Join us for an exciting, high-energy race featuring:
21 teams paddling against one another in 18′ inflatable boats
Each team will have 8 participants
- 6 paddlers
- 1 rhythm caller (keeps the pace)
- 1 helm-person (steers the boat)
Start assembling your team today—whether you’re rowing with friends, coworkers, or family, every stroke you take brings us closer to saving lives.
All equipment provided (boats, paddles and life jackets)
Race Format
- 3 teams race at a time
- Each team is guaranteed at least 2 races
- Winners will be crowned Rotary Cardiac Champ Challenge Champions
Event Details
- Date: July 27th
- Registration: 8am
- Activities start at 8:30am
- Championship round estimated at 2:30pm
- Place: Kill Kare State Park
- Parking: On-site
Spectators Welcome!
Cheer on your favorite team from the shore and experience the excitement!
Event Details
Date
July 27, 2025
Registration Time
8am
Location
Kill Kare State Park, St Albans Town
Parking
On-site
Supports:
Cardiology Services at NMC
Organized by:
The St. Albans Rotary Club and Northwestern Medical Center
Races
All Day!
Championship round estimated at 2:30pm
Race Distance: 300 yards
Gather your crew and join us for the Rotary Cardiac Champ Challenge!
Each team needs to raise a minimum of $1,000 per boat—that’s just $125 per person for an 8-person team. Your efforts will help support heart health initiatives at NMC and make a real impact in our community.
Let’s row together for a stronger, healthier tomorrow
Recommended Paddler Gear:
- Snacks and drinks
- Sunscreen
- Hat and sunglasses
- Water shoes
- Team costume
- Change of clothes – you might get wet
- Towel
- Easy-up if you are with a team
- Folding Chair
Check back later for the day of the race schedule
Recommended Spectator Gear:
- Snacks and drinks
- Sunscreen
- Hat and sunglasses
- Folding chair
Spectators Welcome! Cheer on your favorite team from the shore and experience the excitement!
The Story
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in Franklin County. Currently, many of our loved ones are forced to travel long distances to receive the cardiac care they need. Northwestern Medical Center believes you shouldn’t have to leave your community to get top-notch cardiac care. That’s why NMC is expanding cardiac services—to ensure critical cardiac care is availble right here in Franklin County.
The St Albans Rotary is partnering with NMC and establishing this new annual fundraiser, the Rotary Cardiac Champ Challenge, to raise funds in support of the expansion of cardiac care. Having more cardiac care resources available locally will reduce the stress and financial burden of travel for patients and families, ensure faster, more accessible care during critical moments, and strengthen the health and well being of our entire community!
The Rotary Cardiac Champ Challenge will help finance the first phase in expanding cardiac care services available in Franklin County, a cardiac reading station. The acquisition of a reading satation will allow for the reading of echos and nuclear stress tests in-house. These stations and associated software will also upgrade the ability to perform routine tasks such as reading EKGs, stress tests, and monitors – and will provide the IT framework to support a Device Clinic (pacemakers, defibrillators, implantable loop recorders.) Help ensure that these vital cardiac services will be available locally to the folks of Franklin County!
Get Involved: Volunteer
We are looking for volunteers to ensure our day runs smoothly. We appreciate all kinds of help! Please reach out to Leon to get started!
Volunteer Jobs
Launch Assistants | Registration and Check-in | Safety Spotter | Event set-up and breakdown | Parking and crowd control
Committee Members
Karyn Rocheleau
Andy Crossman
Karin Berno
Heather Smith
Kate Laddison
Leon Berthiaume
Julie Anisman
Peter Wright
Stephanie Hodgeman
Keri Poquette
Janet Bailey
JoAnn Manahan
Deb Loughlin
Heidi Crossman
Norm Choiniere
Thank you to our sponsors!
We’re currently seeking sponsors to join us in making a meaningful impact right here in Franklin County. By supporting the Rotary Cardiac Champ Challenge, you’ll be helping to bring essential cardiac care closer to home—reducing travel, easing stress on families, and improving outcomes for those facing heart-related health issues. Your sponsorship will directly contribute to funding a much-needed cardiac reading station at Northwestern Medical Center, laying the foundation for expanded local services. Join us in championing better heart health for our community—your support can help save lives.
Boat Sponsors
