A week in Ecuador ~~~ and the winner is ?

Congratulations to Paul R Hummel, winner of the week long trip in Ecuador provided by Small World Adventures! Paul has been a member and supporter of AW since 1999 - thank you Paul for your ongoing support of our mission.

With generous support from Small World Adventures and Smith Sport Optics, American Whitewater hosted a fundraising and membership drive that ended on October 1st raising $163,791. Anyone who joined or renewed their AW membership or donated at least $10 to support our river stewardship efforts was entered in a raffle to win the week long trip in Ecuador with Small World Adventures and monthly prizes from Smith Sport Optics. Every $10 contribution provided one chance to win. A huge AW thank you goes out to both Small World Adventures and Smith Sport Optics for making this membership drive possible!

Here's a quote Paul made when he was notified he had won the trip to Ecuador -

"Thank you! What exciting news. I am delighted to have won a trip in a raffle I didn't even know I was in. More importantly, thanks to you and the rest of your team at AW for all you do. You manage to accomplish a great deal given your small budget and I think far too few paddlers realize how important you are to our community. So, thank you from all of us and keep up the great work!"

The Grand Prize:

- Paul will get one wonderful week of kayaking in paradise on his choice of Class II - V whitewater.

- SWA offers a private riverside lodge on the Quijos River with hot showers, cold beers, home cooked gourmet meals and an on site massage therapist.

- SWA has over 60 kayaks including the newest play boats, creek boats, and river runners.

- SWA guides wrote the guidebook to kayaking in Ecuador, so Paul will be paddling with the experts!

- Paul's trip is valued at $1,595 and includes all expenses except airfare, beverages, and souvenirs.

For more information on Small World Adventures check out their website at www.smallworldadventures.com