2024 Update!!! Crossing for KJ Catalina to LB Paddle

2024 Update!

October 13, 2024

Yesterday we held the 3rd Annual Crossing for KJ. We had near perfect conditions for the 26 paddlers and their chase boats. Lots of love and smiles all around to celebrate Kobe.

Many community members, friends and family have asked to donate, so we have re-opened the GoFundMe page. Thank you so much!

Excited to start planning for the 2025 paddle. Hope to see you there!

2024 Update!

October 13, 2024

Yesterday we held the 3rd Annual Crossing for KJ. We had near perfect conditions for the 26 paddlers and their chase boats. Lots of love and smiles all around to celebrate Kobe.

Many community members, friends and family have asked to donate, so we have re-opened the GoFundMe page. Thank you so much!

Excited to start planning for the 2025 paddle. Hope to see you there!

Crossing for KJ 2023 - September 9, 2023

From the Jackson Family

In memory and honor of our son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin and friend Kobe Jackson, please support our fundraising efforts for the second annual "Crossing for KJ" to be held on Saturday, September 9th, 2023.

The paddle from Catalina to Long Beach is to honor the memory of Kobe who we tragically lost in August 2021. Last year Kobe’s friends, co-workers and family created the annual event in his memory to fund a scholarship in his name at Wilson High School in Long Beach. Last year the event raised enough money to fund scholarships for eight years. The paddle this year will raise funds to donate in Kobe's name to provide financial support to students participating in aquatic activities.

The paddle will begin in Catalina at approximately 4am and we anticipate the paddlers to reach the Alamitos Channel and the dock in front of the Boat House by 1pm. After the event, we will gather at Glory Day’s in Seal Beach

Thank you in advance for your support.

Love, The Jackson Family

From the Event Organizers:

On September 9th, 2023, Friends and Family of Kobe will be paddling the Catalina Channel. Some individually and some as a relay, but all putting in the hard work to honor a dear friend, cousin, brother, and co-worker, Kobe Jackson. On August 25th, 2021, we tragically lost Kobe, and it is now that we have created this event in his honor.

One of the things Kobe valued was his aquatics background making this paddle even more special. We are asking for donations to help cover the event costs, help fund causes in Kobe's name, as well as to create the Crossing for Kobe Scholarship in the name of Kobe Jackson. Last year we were able to fund a scholarship for two graduating seniors from Wilson High school that were a part of ASB and Wilson Aquatics towards their college futures, this scholarship will be awarded for the next 8 years based off of the proceeds from last years paddle. This year we hope to fund even more causes in Kobe's name.

Kobe was a cheerleader to all, and through this scholarship fund, Kobe can continue to cheer…cheering for those in aquatics, lifeguarding, and education. We greatly appreciate any and all donations and support.

As mentioned previously, the paddle will be taking place on September 9th. We plan to finish as a team paddling down the Los Alamitos channel together to the docks directly in front of Ballast Point in Long Beach. We will provide an update closer to the day of, but for now, please follow us on Instagram @crossing_for_kj for updates on fundraising, training, and the meet the team!