Hey everyone! I hope y’all had a wonderful weekend!
Well, when life gives you an opportunity to show your “mettle” in the name of kindness and benevolence – you jump right at the chance and make the most of it! And that’s what the “AutoZoners” did this weekend! *dabs like a boss*
Every summer, on the Mississippi River (Memphis), The Duncan-Williams St. Jude Dragon Boat Race takes place, to support the life-saving mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital -“Finding cures. Saving children.”® And just like every year, the “AutoZoners” did what they do best – caring about people and striving for exceptional performance!
PS – Before I divulge all about this fabulous event, lemme start by saying that I was the “self designated” photographer for AutoZone (a place where my Huz works) and it felt like home!
The day began early (pretty early for someone like me!) and we reached the venue all “gung-ho” and excited. Well, how often do you get a chance to do something good and have fun at the same time?
Each team is provided with a “marquee” to call their own – which houses food, beverages and of course the team, aka – the den for all the development, formation and preparation, where all “game winning” strategies are made. Since we knew that it would be an all day event (in the sun) – we made sure we were well stocked with appropriate replenishment. *wink wink*
For the one’s who are wondering as to what in the world is Dragon Boat Racing? Well, it’s not what you are thinking and there are no real dragons, White Walkers, Khaleesi and Jon Snow! *Dothras chek!*
It is but a race, that happens on traditional Chinese boats shaped like dragons, consisting of 20 paddlers sitting two abreast, a Cox who steers the dragon boat from the rear, and a drummer who sits at the front. With the entire team working in unison to propel the boat forward from a standing start, the aim being to reach the finish line in the fastest time – this race was no less than a GOT season 5 finale!
With a total of 45 participating teams, 300 meters of race course and 3 heats per team – the competition was tough and the stakes were high! With each team as tremendous as the other – timing, strength, teamwork and endurance was an absolute necessity to triumph. (All this for a cause that is so close to all our hearts!)
Braving the heat with adrenaline-pumping action and zealously working together in tandem, The “AutoZoners” came 4th in the Division E Championship with 01:35.0 as “Round 3 Final Time” missing the 3rd spot by 5 seconds! (Not bad, eh!)
So, there we go folks – This is how we rolled our “Dragon Boat Racing” event! *woot woot*
It was a funfilled, entertaining day with non-stop music, an assortment of food trucks and of course, the boats -filled with adrenaline! Whether you were in the audience or a lucky member of a boat crew, there was something to look forward to, for everyone.
With proceeds from this event going to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – which is leading the way, the world – understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases – there couldn’t have been a better way to spend our weekend! Especially when – “Events like this help ensure families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.”
Bravo team “AutoZone” you all did what you were meant to do!
Here’s to saving a life and doing your bit! Cheers!
Love,
39 Comments
Great day for a great cause. Bravo. Thanks for sharing this
Indeed! Thank you so much!❤
I saw my message disappear so quickly I thought I went into your spam. Have a great day.
Haha *spam scare* .. I do keep an eye on my spam on regular intervals. 😉
Thank you so much for stopping by! ❤
This looks like an excellent event-dragon boats are true bliss and St. Jude’s deserves consistent and meaningful support.
I agree! 🙂
Thank you so much!❤
Glad to hear you had a good day at the event. Beautiful pics.
It was a day well spent. Thanks much!❤
Looks super fun! Watching dragon boats with perfect weather while drinking “the juice” sounds like an awesome day.
Haha.. You bet!😁
Indeed, it was a day well spent!💕
Nice! Having fun for a great cause! Thank you for sharing your day in the sun!
Thank you so much for stopping by! Appreciate it! 🙂
How Goood Activities!!:D
Indeed! Thank you so much! 🙂
Cool!!! Enjoyed reading this! 🙂
Thank you so much! 🙂
That’s incredible! Great deed for a good cause. 🙏🏼
Indeed! Thank you so much! ❤
Beautiful capture ( I loved your self designated photographer role😊). Great cause and excellent write up ❤️
Haha.. Thank you so much! Appreciate it a lot! ❤
My pleasure Richa
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
It’s wonderful when employees gather for a good cause and enjoy themselves at the same time. St. Jude is one of my favorite charities, along with Operation Smile. I’ve heard of dragon boat racing before. Your photo of the race with the city in the background is TOP!!!
Absolutely true Aixa! It was a day well spent and I am just glad that we could do our bit towards the society. I am usually inclined towards “shelters” and “animal service” but this was a great change! 🙂
Thank you so much. It was a lucky shot!❤
So lucky for you to have participated in such a good meaningful cause. What a great day to spend it with 😊👍❤️
Absolutely Winnie!😊 It was a weekend spent well!💕
😊👍
Thanks for sharing this meaningful post, nice to know about Dragon boats .
My pleasure. Glad you liked it!❤
This
This is so wonderful and it’s all for a really great cause.
Great work Richa 💕
Indeed! It was something worth a shot ans I am glad we did it!❤
Thanks love!❤
I hope to also be involved in charity work in the near future
Your welcome love ❤️
Trust me, the “high” that you get out of it is incomparable! Good luck!❤
Thank you ♥️
❤❤❤❤
♥️♥️♥️♥️
Nice!!
Thank you so much!❤