Dream Extreme Coaches volunteered their time and skills to support the cause.. Photo 55 Productions
Kiteboarding pros and top instructors from around the world teamed up with New York philanthropists the weekend of September 19, 2014, to kick off the 5th Annual Dream Extreme in the Hamptons. This year’s event, a benefit for STEPS to End Family Violence which has helped women, children and families affected by domestic violence since 1986, raised $225,000 for programs and services helping over 5,000 New Yorkers annually.
Participants of the event along with benefactors of the dinner and silent auction helped raise $225 for victims of domestic violence in the New York area. Photo 55 Productions
The event kicked off with a meet and greet at the Stanton Residence. During the evening participants and coaches mingled alongside a waterside landscape while receiving Dream Extreme backpacks stuffed with swag valued over $500. Guests enjoyed dinner and cocktails during fire dancing, drumming and paper lantern lighting that took over for the remainder of the night..
The Stanton residence was a gorgeous venue where participants and coaches got to meet face to face to review their weekend lesson plans. Photo 55 Productions
Paper lanterns lit up the sky providing a beautiful conclusion to the opening night festivities.
On Saturday, 17 coaches were paired with 30 participants of various levels for two days of coaching at Napeague Beach in East Hampton, with gear generously provided by John Pereira of NY Kite Center and other participating coaches. The day started out with sunny blue skies and windy conditions starting at 9am and lasted throughout the day. Coaches took to the water with their students teaching them everything from the very basics of the sport to foilboarding and strapless riding. Non-kiting guests and benefactors got to partake in a multitude of other activities including stand up paddleboarding, yoga, reiki and massage.
Bonnie Pfeifer Evans has been a founding sponsor an staunch supporter of the event since its inception. She began windsurfing in the late 80”²s. Today, she’s hooked on kiteboarding and continues to travel the world in search of wind. Photo 55 Productions
Benefactors Michelle Picchioni, Kelli Shaughnessy, Jim Stanton and Matt Picchioni getting ready for a day of kiteboarding. Photo 55 Productions
As the evening approached, coaches and benefactors traded in their neoprene for formal wear for a dinner party and silent auction which included kite gear donated by Best, Dakine, and Naish, vacation getaways, designer jewelry and bags, and one of a kind works of art from renowned artists including Romero Britto, Hamilton Aguira, Jerome Lucani, Peter Max, Greg Miller and Spencer Tunick. In total, 165 guests were in attendance representing leaders in business, fashion, art, entertainment, sports and New York society.
The silent auction makes up a large part of the fundraising efforts. Photo 55 Productions
Sunday served up light but still teachable conditions for many as students continued to dial in their skills with instructors in the knee-deep water of Napeague Beach. Coaches and participants wound down the day with massages, SUP Yoga, and reiki as the event came to a close with lots of smiling faces, stoked on kiteboarding while doing something good for the community at the same time.
Iconic American designer Nicole Miller (pictured with Coach Chris Doyle of Leading Edge Kiteboarding) has been a supporter of Dream Extreme since 2011. Because of her generosity and continued support, Dream Extreme has raised more than $700,000 for victims of domestic violence””improving the lives of women, children and families.
Laura Pozvolska Nicklas (pictured with Coach Chris Stuccy) was recognized at the dinner party for her dedication and commitment to helping children and families across the globe. Photo 55 Productions
To date, Dream Extreme has raised over $700,000 for STEPS. Founded by Sister Mary Nerny, a counselor, fierce advocate, and a champion to countless women, Sister Mary was the first to bring attention to the plight of incarcerated women who had survived lifetimes of violence and trauma. She passed away in 2013, however, continues to serve as an inspiration to those seeking to make the world a more loving and just place.
Richard Doetsch is a bestselling author, philanthropist, kiteboarder and an expert in commercial and residential real estate. He was honored at this year’s event for his dedication and commitment to helping underserved families in the community. Richard is collaborating with Linda to co-author her upcoming book. Photo 55 Productions
Marie Reme, Director of Administration Chairman’s Office at Weiss Multi-Strategy Advisors, LLC., having a great time with Coach Jeremy Lund. Photo 55 Productions
Dream Extreme was started by Linda Argila of Solutions New York. Almost 14 years ago, Linda, a law abiding woman, suddenly found herself in deep trouble with the law and was ultimately sentenced to one year in Danbury federal prison. Although life-shattering, the experience also served as a catalyst for her — in losing everything she found herself. While incarcerated, Linda had a vision to help children, who like her daughter, suffer because of separation from their mother. Since her release Linda has helped raise more than $25 million for charity through large scale galas and other events such as Dream Extreme, patronized by renowned artists, celebrities and leaders in business and philanthropy. Linda currently has a book project in the works in cooperation with six-time best selling author Richard Doetsch. She hopes that by sharing her story, it will encourage others to see their own struggles in a new and positive light and as an opportunity for personal growth. Her goal is to empower readers to overcome challenges and live their dreams to the fullest”¦ one day at a time. Linda Argila will be featured in the Spring 2015 issue of The Kiteboarder. For more about her and her inspirational story, see www.LindaArgila.com.
Dream Extreme Founder Linda Argila with Coach Sam Medysky, 2014 AWSI Rider of the Year.
Next year’s Dream Extreme will be held in the Hamptons September 18-20, 2015. www.dreamextremenewyork.com
Linda and her daughter Ashley, the inspiration behind her upcoming book project. Photo 55 Productions
