Tampa Bay's Kite4Kids Takes Flight on Treasure Island

Every year, Tampa Bay's Kite4Kids hosts a downwind kite race. This year, the addition of a launch party gave locals a chance to get their feet wet prior to the race. 

The idea is to gather all levels of experience in water sports, from beginner to advanced. It gave beach lovers the opportunity to try sports like stand up paddle boarding and skim boarding for the first time.

What would an awesome event be without a cause to donate to? All Children's Hospital was the charity of choice. The group hoped to bring in $25,000. Funds were raised through a silent auction and raffle ticket sales. 

Kite4Kids Co-Chair, Julie Anderson has been an avid supporter of All Children's Hospital for a few years now. Julie's daughter, Rayley was born at just 23 weeks weighing only 1 pound and 6 ounces. With the help of All Children's, Rayley fought for her life and was eventually able to come home.

All Children's Hospital was elated to be the beneficiary of the event. Taylor Traviesa, Special Events Coordinator for All Children's Hospital, said "The Kite4Kids group has gone above and beyond this year and we thank them for all of their hard work and dedication."

Food options ensured that no belly would go unsatisfied. Steak and blue sandwiches, cubans and grilled cheese were up for grabs; not to mention the fried dessert assortment of oreos, apples and cheesecake. 

A downwind kite race will be held after the holidays. The date is to be determined and promises to be a grand finale of the Kite4Kids' ongoing events.