Paladin pours community celebration into Lake Michigan for annual Inclusive Boat Ride 2025

With the back half of summer underway, it’s important to take advantage of the warm weather while it’s still around. For many, the first thing they want to do under such conditions is spend time in the water. On Friday, August 22, Paladin brought a community of its members and supporters together for the 26th annual Boat Ride and Community Event.

This event has been a staple in the La Porte County community, bringing in residents with developmental or physical disabilities for an afternoon to celebrate on the water. Food, fun, and entertainment was presented for everyone. The Michigan City Charter Boat Association has been a multi-year contributor to this event, showcasing their dedication to the community by offering free boat rides to everyone in attendance.

“This started back in 1999 with Steve Kreighbaum and Mike Hambel from an advertisement about Lake Erie that had something similar to this going on there,” said Bob Kelsey, boat driver and event volunteer. “We got a lot of volunteers from restaurants, companies, port authority, the Yacht Club, and the Charter Boat Association.”

The most important part of Paladin’s plan is to help people with disabilities to grow and experience what the community has to offer. The organization’s mission is to serve as determined advocates, all while providing support and opportunities at events like this one.

“It’s an event that so many of us look forward to every year,” Kelsey said. “My wife and I have been doing it for years, and I don’t remember ever missing one. Having the opportunity to pair up with Paladin and give back to so many people is the most rewarding part.”

According to Kim Latchford, vice president at Paladin, the boat rides fit as many as 312 people to take rides on Lake Michigan.

The Michigan City firefighters, paramedics, and the U.S. Coast Guard have played a role in this event being a success for several years. They help participants, who may have difficulty moving around, to board the boats safely and be included in this celebration.

Last year marked the 25th anniversary of the event, where participants released butterflies to honor the occasion. This year stayed true to the history of the event, as Paladin’s members could soak up the beauty of Lake Michigan up close.

“I grew up being on the water and going to Lake Michigan,” said Jan Henry, captain of the U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine 100-Ton. “I love sharing my love of Lake Michigan and the beautiful views out here with people. That’s why I’ve been a ship captain here for the last eight years, and we love working with charitable groups like Paladin.”

While the boat ride is a treat in itself, the ultimate joy comes from being able to spend time with friends, families, and admire how many smiles are put on the faces of people in the Paladin family.

“It’s refreshing to see how happy they get,” Henry said. “We hear them cheering throughout the entire ride. They hear the horn, they cheer. They hear the waves, they cheer. Putting a smile on their faces is larger than life. I love that they allow us to help them with this boat ride and touch so many lives in the process.”

As this tradition continues year by year, Paladin has plans to only keep making it better than the last one. The organization is already looking forward to next year, with the ultimate goal to have even more volunteers, donations, and excitement.

To learn more about Paladin and its ongoing efforts to advocate for people with disabilities, you can visit paladin.care.