Heather's Ohio River Way Challenge Fundraiser

The Ohio River’s name comes from the Iroquois word O-Y-O, meaning “the Great River.”

This river has shaped communities, carried stories, powered economies, and connected generations. Now, I have the incredible opportunity to experience it in a whole new way.

Hi everyone! Thank you so much for visiting my fundraising page. I’m grateful you’re here and considering supporting the Ohio River Way and its mission:

To help people find adventure, inspire care for the land and water, and boost the economies of vibrant Ohio River communities by building partnerships that promote safe, healthy outdoor recreation, education, and tourism.

This year, I am participating for the first time in the Ohio River Way Challenge. I will be paddling all 480 miles — from Huntington, WV to Evansville, IN.

This journey is about more than miles.
It’s about:

• Raising awareness of the mighty Ohio River

• Celebrating the communities along its banks

• Encouraging stewardship of our land and water

• Experiencing firsthand the beauty and resilience of this historic river

I’m excited to learn from the river itself — and from the people who call it home.

Fuel the Journey

Will you help fuel this 480-mile river adventure with a gift per mile?

Each stroke of the paddle represents another mile of exploration, awareness, and stewardship for the Ohio River and the communities along its banks. Your per-mile gift helps turn this adventure into lasting impact.

• 10¢ per mile = $48

• 25¢ per mile = $120

• 50¢ per mile = $240

• 75¢ per mile = $360

• $1 per mile = $480

Your support helps strengthen river communities, expand outdoor access, and inspire care for the Ohio River. Every gift — no matter the size — moves this mission forward.

If giving isn’t possible right now, you can still make a difference by:

• Following along on social media @ohio_river_way

• Signing up for the Ohio River Way newsletter https://www.ohioriverway.org/newsletter/

• Sharing this page with others

Thank you for believing in this river, these communities, and this journey. I can’t wait to share the adventure with you.

- Heather

Check out this video about paddling the Ohio River Way and learn more at the organization's website. 

The Ohio River Way is a designated, 308-mile National Water Trail following the borders of Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Along the way, we’ve become a coalition that bridges communities to create a more vibrant, healthy region. 

The Ohio River Way’s mission is to help people find adventure, inspire care for the land and water, and boost economies of vibrant Ohio River communities by building partnerships that promote safe, healthy outdoor recreation; education; & tourism.

The Ohio River Way Challenge is an interdisciplinary expedition designed to educate, connect, and celebrate the history, culture, and ecology of the Ohio River and its river towns. Through paddling, storytelling, community engagement, and shared adventure, participants embark on a journey to be inspired and expand upon the important work being done to improve the Ohio River and its neighboring communities.

Thank you for supporting my paddle on the 2026 Ohio River Way Challenge and the mission and work of the Ohio River Way!