News Summary
A St. Petersburg man, Darren Hayes, has completed a remarkable 6,000-mile journey in a 22-foot pontoon boat to support the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay. This voyage raised around $12,000 for the charity, which provides essential support for families with children receiving medical treatment. Spanning 94 days and featuring a diverse route along the East Coast, Hayes’ journey is inspired by personal connections to the charity. Now back in St. Petersburg, he celebrates his achievement and plans to continue supporting the cause.
St. Petersburg Man Completes 6,000-Mile Voyage in Pontoon Boat to Support Ronald McDonald House Charities
A St. Petersburg man has successfully completed an extraordinary 6,000-mile voyage in a 22-foot pontoon boat, raising funds for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay. The charity provides vital accommodations and support for families with children undergoing hospital treatment. Darren Hayes embarked on this journey in June and returned in September after spending 94 days at sea.
Voyage Details
Hayes departed from Tierra Verde, Florida, and the route he took was both extensive and diverse. His travels included circumnavigating the coastline of Florida, making his way up the East Coast to New York City, navigating the Erie Canal, and crossing multiple Great Lakes, namely Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan. To return to St. Petersburg, Hayes utilized the river system from Chicago.
Inspiration and Fundraising Efforts
The voyage was spurred by Hayes’s personal connection to the charity, as family friends once sought support from the Ronald McDonald House when their daughter was being treated for brain cancer. In memory of a young girl he met during the trip who overcame incredible odds, Hayes named his boat “Birdie Rey.”
To prepare for the journey, Hayes had his pontoon boat rebuilt by Worldwide Yacht Sales after it suffered damage in Hurricane Ian. His previous fundraising endeavors include driving a 1948 John Deere tractor all the way from Florida to Michigan and traversing 48 states in a 1948 Ford.
Challenges Encountered
Throughout the trip, Hayes faced several challenges, including limited access to marinas and the unpredictability of weather conditions. However, he expressed gratitude for experiencing mostly favorable weather during his maritime adventure.
Fundraising Success and Future Plans
During the voyage, Hayes raised approximately $12,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities. He is continuing to accept donations on his website until the end of October, allowing individuals to contribute to the cause. The journey was documented on social media through an initiative named “Makin Wake.”
Hayes has expressed interest in undertaking more trips in the future, although specific plans remain unconfirmed at this time.
Community Celebration
Upon his return to St. Petersburg, Hayes celebrated his achievement with a welcome home party at Island Grille & Raw Bar, highlighting the community support that has accompanied him throughout this journey. He emphasized the emotional connections he made with people along the way and the importance of the mission he supported through his expedition.
Background on the Ronald McDonald House Charities
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay is dedicated to facilitating a supportive environment for families with children facing severe medical challenges. Through their services, they enable families to stay close to their children during hospital stays, alleviating some of the burdens associated with medical treatment.
Hayes’s extraordinary undertaking not only raised funds but also raised awareness of the challenges families face when caring for ill children, underlining the crucial support systems provided by organizations like the Ronald McDonald House Charities.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 News: St. Pete Man Sails Nearly 6000 Miles
- St. Pete Catalyst: Pontoon Captain Sails 5500 Miles for Charity
- WTSP: Family Finds Hope at Ronald McDonald House
- Wikipedia: Ronald McDonald House Charities
- Google Search: Ronald McDonald House Charities
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
