August Volunteer of the Month - Presented by Kokatat

American Whitewater would like to recognize Risa Shimoda as our August Volunteer of the Month.

Risa is, amongst many other things, the chief coordinator behind Potomac Fest in VA/MD. Potomac Fest is the third largest whitewater event that AW attends (behind our own Deerfield Fest and Gauley Fest) which raised nearly $10,000 for AW in 2009. This fest has multiple competition and community events, not to mention a great festival itself, over the course of an entire long weekend. Being the lead coordinator of this kind of undertaking is a huge investment in time and we thank Risa for her steadfast work.

Risa has also recently been inducted into the Whitewater Hall of Fame for her long history of river advocacy work throughout the US. Add to all this a long history of whitewater paddling herself - a descent of Niagara Gorge in a squirt boat (really) amongst others - and you start to get an idea of what a dynamic individual Risa is. Please join us in saying thanks to Risa!

In recognition of her efforts, Risa will be receiving a custom OuterCore Long-Sleeve Shirt from Kokatat!