Helping Sledge

Most everyone here knows Sledge. He was a long-time active member of NCKA and a world class drunk. During his final drunken epic bender, he managed to get himself banned from NCKA and lost his kayak off the roof of his truck. He has since found AA and been sober for 8 months. I recently took him rock fishing in my spare yak and spent a day with him. He is still a little wacky but he is stone cold sober and has a heart of gold.
Most of his days are spent going to sobriety meetings and doing volunteer work at the recovery center. He says that the volunteer work and fishing are the things that keep him going.
  I am hoping to pass the hat around to get sledge a used kayak for christmas. He already has the paddle,pfd,poles and everything else.
    Although Sledge is no longer an ncka member, he is still a member of the nor-cal kayak fishing community.
Furthermore,he is a semi-homeless.unemployed 55 year old man who has nothing.
Lets help him out. I have $100 to throw in. Anyone else feel like helping Sledge?

       

Damn big of you Jack, I got a 20 spot for the kid. lemme know how to get it to you.

I don't know Sledge except from the stories I've heard but anyone who beats addiction has my respect. Let me know where to help.

I don't know Sledge either, but I see his cabover cruising around town every now and then. This feels like a good "spirit of the season" thing to do.

I'm in for $20 as well. Can we PayPal it into an account or something ?

Hopefully someone has a spare kayak they can let go at a cheap price.  I think that is awesome he has changed his life around.  8 months is a good start as he will have ups and downs during his recovery from addiction. 

Fishing as most of us know has a great mental health benefit to us all and I would hope he could continue to have that outlet.  Post up when you find a kayak that will work and I will donate something to help you make it happen Jack. 

Tell him to keep working it and I will pray God removes any temptation for him to return to his previous addictions. 

I don't have a paypal account but you can mail a check made out to me Jack whiting at 5055 deerwood dr
santa rosa,ca 95403. Thank you and merry christmas

Count me in. Sledge is walking a righteous and difficult path. He's always been a good man underneath the fog of alcoholism. Will send a check this week. Please tell him we are all behind him and to stay strong.
Shannon

Sending you $ tomorrow, Jack. Thank you.

Great idea Jack!
Let's make this happen!

Sledge may not be on everyone's list of favorite people, but he is on mine. I've spent a lot of time with Mike both on and off the water. Recently he and his folks spent Thanksgiving with my family in Guerneville. The apple doesn't fall from the tree.
 Like Jack said, he has a heart of gold. If you don't know Mike, he's an entertaining man. Spend some time taking with him and you will be better for it.

Sledge's new chapter in his life is inspirational to say the least. A bunch of people here on this forum have helped him when he has needed it, and a couple were pivotal in helping him get sober. Let's help him get back on the water and "Get Some!".

Just got a call from Tiny. He has offered up his camo T-13 that once belonged to Ravensblack for $400. I think it would be perfect for Sledge. So please help us get to $400 and thanks for helping brother Sledge.
  ps. it doesn't have a seat so if anyone could get us a deal on a seat then please post up.

$20 from me and Linda.

Dropping check in the mail today.

ps i want to surprise Sledge so please don't tell him.

I will give you a free seat for Trident 13. I am located in Dublin and can deliver it a limited distance locally or around Santa Cruz/Carmel to anyone who might go your way.

Hell Yeah Tiny!

Check the total, and I will pay the rest. Sledge has always been good in my book, I'll call tiny now.