Crew Champion: Joe Solomon

Source to Sea

For Joe, spending time in nature leads to mental healing and wholeness. This summer, he's hoping to spread awareness about mental health and the outdoors by paddling the Mississippi River -- all 2,350 miles off it.

For 60-80 days Joe will navigate his kayak from the mouth of the Mississippi in Minnesota to the gulf in Louisiana. His source-to-sea adventure is more than just a mega paddle; it's a fundraiser for the Crew with a goal of $10,000. Chatting with City Beat, Joe shared his personal relationship with paddling and how it improved his physical and mental well-being. He hopes his Crew Champion fundraiser will similarly help connect city teens to the restorative and healing properties of the great outdoors. As Joe sees it, "these kids are the future leaders of this nation. If they can get out into nature and get those healing properties too, then why not support them?”

Cheer on Joe as he floats the mighty Mississippi by donating to his fundraiser.