The spirit of community, support, and celebration was in full swing as Paladin hosted its 25th annual Boat Ride and Community Event. For more than two decades, this event has provided LaPorte County residents with developmental or physical disabilities a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of Lake Michigan, thanks to the generosity of the Michigan City Charter Boat Association and the heartfelt dedication of the local community.
This year’s event continued the cherished tradition started by charter captains Mike Hambel and Steve Kreighbaum 25 years ago. What began as a simple act of kindness has grown into a powerful symbol of advocacy and inclusion for people with disabilities. As always, the event was more than just a boat ride—it stayed committed to its mission: to serve as determined advocates, providing support and opportunities for individuals to learn, grow, and enjoy meaningful lives.
This summer's event continued to bring people together, connecting with others, and creating an environment where everyone, regardless of ability, could feel valued and included. The Michigan City firefighters, paramedics, and the U.S. Coast Guard once again played a crucial role, ensuring that participants in wheelchairs or those with mobility challenges could safely board the boats and enjoy the day on the water.
Barb Hale, one of the special needs attendees, expressed her excitement about the event, highlighting how it brings the community together and creates a beautiful day for all. She shared that this year, to commemorate the 25th anniversary, participants also released butterflies, adding a special touch to the celebration.
Victor Tieri, owner of Harbor Country Adventures and a longtime supporter of the event, reflected on the joy he sees in participants each year.
“It’s just really cool as I'm sitting here looking at all these people in line to get on board, the expressions on their faces and how happy they are to get out on the lake,” Tieri said.
Tieri has been donating his boat to the event for five years and is committed to continuing as long as he can.
Stephen Cole, a physician and boat captain with a family member with special needs, stressed the importance of the event in providing participants with a break from their daily routine and an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. He expressed gratitude for being part of an experience that brings joy to those involved.
“All the different captains really pitch in and help with this. I've been up here for 12 years,” Cole said. “We always try to get everybody on the boat. I’ve met a lot of nice folks. It gives them a break from their daily routine and lets them get outdoors. I think it's a wonderful thing."
Michigan City Fire Chief Barrett Taylor shared that his favorite part of the event is seeing the happiness on people's faces as they ride the boats. He believes that even making a difference for just one day has a significant impact on their lives, and he looks forward to contributing each year alongside the dedicated boat operators and firefighters who volunteer their time.
As Paladin looks back on 25 years of the Boat Ride and Community Event, the organization is already planning for next year, aiming for even more growth.
Tyler Kreighbaum looks forward to continuing and expanding the event. He hopes to see more volunteers and donations in the future to keep growing the event and bringing joy to even more individuals.
To learn more about Paladin and its ongoing efforts to advocate for people with disabilities, visit Paladin Care
