HEADLINE: CRC Slide-A-Thon makes splash, raises $25K
Third annual fundraiser draws sliders for a day of community
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EAST WATERFORD -- Long before the first splash echoed across the hillside, Christian Retreat Center's Third Annual Waterslide Slide-A-Thon already felt like a celebration in motion.
Families arrived with lawn chairs, teams gathered under shade tents and volunteers bustled between stations as CRC prepared for one of its most joyful traditions -- a day when laughter, community spirit and a 140-foot waterslide come together to support the ministry's work.
By the time the final slider reached the bottom of the hill, CRC had raised more than $25,000, marking the event's most successful year yet.
"It went great," CRC Development and Events Director Wendy Kerstetter said. "We had a wonderful turnout."
The Slide-A-Thon has quickly become a signature summer gathering at the East Waterford retreat center, drawing participants of all ages. This year, 71 sliders took part, ranging from infants to seniors in their 70s. The youngest participant -- not yet a year old -- rode safely in her mother's arms, a moment that captured the heart of the event: a place where generations come together, where former campers return with their children, and where the simple joy of a waterslide becomes a shared memory.
While the Slide-A-Thon is built around fun, it also carries moments of anticipation, and none was bigger than the long-awaited debut of two familiar CRC faces. Food Services Director Mindy Palm, who has served at CRC for 12 years, and kitchen assistant Amy Berrier had never once gone down the waterslide. Not during summer camps, not during staff gatherings, not even during previous Slide-A-Thons. Their streak became a running joke among campers and staff -- and this year, supporters decided it was time.
A $10,000 challenge was issued: raise the funds and Palm and Berrier would finally take the plunge. More than $5,000 was donated specifically toward the challenge, and with a crowd gathered at the bottom of the slide, both women climbed to the top, waved to the cheering spectators and launched into their first-ever ride down the 140-foot slide. Their splash was met with applause, laughter and a sense of shared triumph.
New to this year's event was the Splash Wheel, a colorful addition that allowed spectators to donate toward individual sliders and send them down the slide with themed challenges, props or prizes. The wheel added unpredictability and gave non-sliders a way to join the fun. Each spin brought a new twist -- a costume, a silly task or a surprise accessory -- keeping the crowd engaged and the energy high throughout the day.
Participants competed for a variety of awards, including Biggest Splash, Camp Spirit, Camp Champion, most slides by an individual, most slides by a team and top fundraiser. The awards added friendly competition, but the atmosphere remained rooted in community. Families cheered for one another, volunteers encouraged hesitant sliders, and teams celebrated every successful run down the hill.
"Every slider has a story," CRC posted on its social media in the days before the event. "Some are campers. Some are counselors. Some are staff. Some are even former board members. Some are families and teams. Some have been part of CRC for decades -- but they’re all sliding for the same reason: to help others experience the ministry of Christian Retreat Center."
The Slide-A-Thon has grown into more than a fundraiser. It has become a day that reflects the mission of Christian Retreat Center -- a place where faith, fellowship and joy intersect. CRC leaders say the funds raised will directly support the ministry's programs, including summer camps, retreats, outreach efforts and year-round operations. But the event's impact goes beyond dollars.
It strengthens relationships. It brings former campers back to the grounds where they once spent summers. It gives families a chance to play together. It reminds the community why CRC matters -- not only as a ministry, but as a gathering place where people feel connected.
The retreat center expressed gratitude to the many individuals, families, churches and business sponsors who made the Slide-A-Thon possible. Their support, organizers said, reflects a shared belief in CRC's mission and a commitment to ensuring its programs continue to thrive.
As the sun dipped behind the trees and the last splashes settled, one thing was clear: the Slide-A-Thon has become a tradition that will continue to grow. It's fun, it's meaningful and it embodies the spirit of Christian Retreat Center -- a place where joy is part of the ministry.
For more information about CRC, visit www.crctims.org.