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Tag: paddle

  • Watch 30 Chefs Play Ping Pong to Support Cancer Patients

    Watch 30 Chefs Play Ping Pong to Support Cancer Patients


    In March, for the first time since 2018, Chef Paddle Battle, a ping pong competition between Chicago chefs that raises money for charity, will take place. A variety of factors, including the pandemic, wiped out the annual event held at SPIN Chicago in River North.

    This year’s event, Monday, March 4, brings together 30 chefs to raise money for Culinary Care, a charity that provides restaurant meals to cancer patients and their families. The group has worked with a variety of chefs through the years to organize fundraisers. The event is open to the public, giving fans a chance to meet the chefs. Three drinks are included in the ticket price; there’s also an open bar option.

    In past years, the audience has been treated to feats such as the exploits of Proxi and Sepia chef Andrew Zimmerman, who has dominated the field. Rivalries have been known to form and a new one is about to bubble up between a veteran and a rookie. It could be the next big Chicago food rivalry, on par with Lou Malnati’s versus Giordano’s or Harold’s vs. Uncle Remus.

    Jake Potashnick’s Instagram handle is “notyetachef.” The Chicago native has traveled around the world cooking at restaurants and plans to open his own, Feld, soon in West Town. Potashnick has poked the bear, namely S.K.Y. and Valhalla chef Stephen Gillanders. The young chef playfully taunted his friend, claiming that he would take Gillanders down if they two were to play.

    “I’m just thrilled that my crushing of Stephen can support an amazing organization like Culinary Care,” Potashnik texted.

    The two donned WWE personas in a text thread over the weekend when questioned about their budding rivalry. Potashnick joked the loser would have to leave West Town.

    “Unfortunately for you, Jake, a true rivalry requires a worthy adversary,” Gillanders texted to the thread. “I will crush you and your paddle. Going full Forrest Gump on you.”

    Potashnick responded: “Look, I believe that Stephen is a very good ping pong player. But we’ve all heard the underground rumors of blood doping… Anything for an edge up that ol’ Gillanders.”

    Gillanders responded humbly: “My genetic superiority, intelligent-yet-approachable wit, and face-melting dance moves have been a pressure point for years now amongst my competitors,” the chef writes. “While I outright refuse to provide a blood sample, I deny all allegations.”

    The event, held on a Monday when many restaurants are closed, gives chefs a chance to socialize. While Potashnick jokes about starting “a lifelong death-match style ping pong rivalry” with Gillanders, he also writes that he’s grateful that chefs like Gillanders have welcomed him back home.

    SPIN hosted Paddle Battles in 2017 and 2018 and its return is seen as a sign of recovery for River North and Downtown Chicago. And while Gllanders and Potashick throw gasoline on their rivalry, ping pong isn’t just about winning. Many chefs of Asian heritage take the competition as a point of pride given the sport’s popularity overseas.

    For Bayan Ko chef Lawrence Letrero, the game is nostalgic. He played in college and has a lot of rust to shake off: “I haven’t played in years,” he texts. “I’m going to suck.”

    Win or lose, it’s for a good cause. Kimski chef Won Kim will even DJ.

    Check out the roster of chefs below.

    Chef Paddle Battle at SPIN, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday, March 4, 344 N. State Street, tickets via Eventbrite.

    The 2018 Chef Paddle Battle class.
    SPiN





    Ashok Selvam

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  • Austin Pets Alive! | Paddle for Puppies May 7th, 2023

    Austin Pets Alive! | Paddle for Puppies May 7th, 2023

    Apr 05, 2023

    Paddle for Puppies is back for the 12th year in a row! Celebrated as one of Austin’s favorite events, this iconic gathering is more than just a paddle down Lady Bird Lake — it’s a lifesaving endeavor!

    Sponsored by Austin Subaru and hosted at Rowing Dock, Paddle for Puppies 2023, will take place on Sunday May 7th at 8:00am. Both people and water-confident dogs* paddle 2.5 miles down Lady Bird Lake, just past Congress bridge on the boat of your choice — kayak, SUP, canoe, all in support of our Parvo Puppy ICU! Visit the registration site to learn more and to scoop up your ticket!

    Why does APA! even have a Parvo Pupp

    Paddle for Puppies on May 7th, 2023 Paddle for Puppies on May 7th, 2023y ICU? Prior to the birth of this program, due to the highly contagious nature and almost-always fatal outcome if not treated, puppies that tested positive for parvovirus were typically euthanized because resources didn’t exist to support this vulnerable group. In 2008, the dedicated and determined humans that began APA! as we know it today, made the decision that they would begin pulling and treating all parvo positive puppies. In November of 2008, the city of Austin achieved no kill for puppies because of our program!

    Since 2008, this ICU has taken in thousands of puppies and has steadily achieved a 90% save rate. The work that takes place in this program is hard, both physically and emotionally and is worth it daily to see the tiny tail wags of puppies who know we are working to save their lives. And later, to see the smiling faces of the people who adopt these little survivors.

    Fundraisers like Paddle for Puppies are an integral piece to the lifesaving work that takes place in this program. On average, it can cost upwards of $400 to treat a puppy with parvovirus. Last year, our Parvo team treated just over 1300 puppies and so far this year, this dedicated team has treated just over 300 puppies.

    We’re excited for another year of gathering with both those who have attended this event every year and those who are joining for the first time. There’s nothing better than a group of humans coming together to save some puppy dog lives! See you there!

    *Due to the potential for toxins in the water, waivers will be required if you are planning to bring a dog on the water. These waivers will be available at registration when you check-in on-site. Dogs attending must stay in/on their vessel and should not drink the lake water.

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  • Austin Pets Alive! | Paddle for Puppies is Back!

    Austin Pets Alive! | Paddle for Puppies is Back!

    May 09, 2022

    Paddle for Puppies is back on May 15th and better than ever! Paddle for Puppies, an annual event presented by Austin Subaru, provides incredible support for our Parvo Puppy ICU Program at Austin Pets Alive!.

    Our Parvo Puppy ICU cares for puppies that contract canine parvovirus, a highly contagious and life-threatening virus that increases their risk for euthanasia in certain shelters. In 2021 alone, a record-breaking 963 lives were saved from the Parvo Puppy ICU. That’s 400 more puppies than we saved in 2020 – this program is expanding by the minute!

    One of the puppies saved so far in 2022 was named Rover. Rover is a very special puppy. Apart from being a parvo survivor and having precious droopy ears that stole everyone’s hearts, Rover was the 100,000th life saved at APA!.

    Needless to say, Rover’s adoption was quick. He really did steal everyone’s hearts, including Timothy and Katherine Shook’s. The Shooks were Rover’s perfect match for a couple of reasons. First, they’re great pet parents. Second, Timothy just so happens to be APA!’s main point of contact with Austin Subaru who puts on Paddle for Puppies. They are one of the largest supporters of the very same program that saved Rover’s life.

    Today, months later, Rover Shook is happy at home and, from what we hear, has been a great addition to their family. Just take a look at some of what they had to say:

    What is your favorite quality about Rover?

    “Our favorite quality of Rover’s is his playfulness; he loves chewing on hands, blankets, pillows – anything he can get his teeth on. He chases us as we walk and bites at our shoes, and he has enjoyed a few games of ‘Attack the Swiffer.’”

    How does it feel knowing you had a part in saving Rover’s life?

    “Having a puppy whose life would’ve been cut short without the APA! parvo facility keeps us very grounded. We are so grateful that Rover was able to receive treatment, and we were able to help support the parvo ICU and the staff that keep the unit running.”

    What do you want people to know about APA!?

    “We would love for people to know that APA! has saved over 100,000 lives and is working on a national initiative to increase the number of lives they’re able to save.

    Thank you Austin Subaru, for supporting our Parvo Puppy ICU that helps save pets like Rover. Thank you Shook family, for giving Rover a home. Thank you to our APA! community for all of your support that helps make stories like Rover’s possible. And lastly, thank you Rover for being so darn cute, and for being the face of this year’s Paddle for Puppies!

    This year’s Paddle for Puppies is taking place on May 15 from 6:45-10:00 AM at the Rowing Dock. We hope to see you there! You’ll also receive a special t-shirt featuring Rover when you sign up. Register today to paddle and save a puppy’s life: https://www.paddleforpuppies.com/

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  • Austin Pets Alive! | Register Today for Paddle for Puppies 2021!

    Austin Pets Alive! | Register Today for Paddle for Puppies 2021!

    Apr 21, 2021

    Paddle for Puppies is back on the water for its 10-year anniversary!

    Presented by Austin Subaru, this unique annual fundraiser benefits the Parvo Puppy ICU Program at Austin Pets Alive! which has pioneered the path to give puppies with parvo a fighting chance.

    Austin Pets Alive!’s Parvo Puppy ICU is the first of its kind in the nation and has saved over 5,500 puppies since its creation in 2008. On average, they continue to save around 600 puppies each year. Even with the pandemic happening, in 2020 this amazing team saved 609 puppies! Parvo, short for the canine parvovirus, is a highly contagious viral illness, and often means immediate and absolute euthanasia for puppies.

    This is where APA! comes in. Our Parvo Puppy ICU provides an alternative to euthanasia and gives the puppies who were on death’s doorstep a real chance at life. With proper treatment, parvo takes about a week to cure. Post-parvo, these pups are finally given a chance at adoption to lead a healthy, normal life. We love seeing updates from our adopters who watch as their small parvo puppies grow into big and strong dogs. Check out sweet Bodie’s transformation after he was released from the ICU!



    Now you have the chance to help pioneer change for our pups, too! Grab your friends and family and hop in a kayak, canoe, or SUP the weekend of May 7-9 for the 10th Annual Paddle for Puppies.

    Unfortunately, due to the recent surge of algae in the water, we’re suggesting pets stay at home this year. No need to fear — you’re still sure to have a paw-some time!

    In compliance with CDC guidelines, we will not be paddling as a large group, but instead have extended the paddling experience over three days. The paddle will begin at 4:00 pm at Rowing Dock on May 7 and end at 8:00 pm. May 8-9, the paddle will begin at 8:00 am and end at 12:00 pm at the same location.

    Last year was anything but traditional, with Paddle for Puppies being virtual. This year we want to see you! Come out to Lady Bird Lake and have a nice, relaxing time, all while making a splash in our Parvo Puppy Program!

    Be sure to buy your tickets now! We’re absolutely paw-sitive you won’t want to miss out on this fun-filled paddling experience!

    Special thanks to Austin Subaru for sponsoring Paddle for Puppies for 10 years, and to Rowing Dock for hosting us once again!

    All photos used are from the 2019 Paddle for Puppies with accreditation to Austin Subaru.

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  • Austin Pets Alive! | Austin Pets Alive! announces 10th Annual Paddle…

    Austin Pets Alive! | Austin Pets Alive! announces 10th Annual Paddle…

    Apr 16, 2021

    Austin Pets Alive! is thrilled to announce the return of Paddle for Puppies, presented by Austin Subaru and hosted at Rowing Dock. Though the format may look a little different from years past, the concept — and the cause — are the same.

    Instead of hosting this fundraiser on one day, it has been spread out over the course of a weekend to accommodate social distancing needs. Participants can register for their preferred time slot on one of three days (May 7, 4-8 pm; May 8, 8 am-12 pm; May 9, 8 am-12 pm) and enjoy a leisurely paddle, kayak, or canoe ride on their own down Lady Bird Lake. All participants will receive an exclusive Paddle for Puppies t-shirt, and all proceeds directly benefit the APA! Parvo Puppy ICU.

    This is the 10th anniversary of Paddle for Puppies. Since its inception in 2011, Austin Subaru has raised over $20,000 each year through this community favorite activity. APA!’s Parvo Puppy ICU is a specialized facility designed to care for puppies that contract canine parvovirus, a highly contagious and life-threatening virus. Dogs with parvo are often at extremely high risk of euthanasia in certain shelters and regions that lack the resources to safely quarantine and treat these pups. Through this program, APA! provides shelters across Texas with an alternative to euthanasia and saves around 500 lives each year.

    Due to recent detection of toxins in an algae sample taken from Lake Austin, APA! is not encouraging participants to bring their dogs along for the paddle at this time. Humans of all ages, however, are welcome to attend. Registration starts at $40 per adult, with an optional boat rental fee. Children under 16 can be added on as a second rider for $25. All attendees can register on the Paddle for Puppies website ahead of time.

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