Wake the World News 14 Charlotte from Ryan Caroll on Vimeo.

Three years ago, pro wakeboarder Greg Hodgin decided that he wanted to give kids memories at the lake just like his uncle did for him. He spent time on the lake with his kids and their friends, but he was looking to do more for those kids that would never get the opportunity to get out on a boat.

Greg founded Wake the World North Carolina to give local children from Children's Homes a lifetime of memories on the lake. "Many of the children are getting on a boat for the first time ever". They learn to ski, wake board, tube and swim while having fun in the sun.

Creative Link Director of Technology + Analytics, Ryan Caroll, met Hodgin online several years ago and was touched by the idea of Wake the World. After a couple of years of planning and coordination, 2010 will bring Wake the World to Texas!

Ryan is working with First Chance Foundation and St. Jude's Ranch for Wake the World Texas' inaugural year. On July 19th, 10 ski boats and more than 25 volunteers will come together at Canyon Lake for a day of memory making for 45 children from St. Jude's. BBQ Champion, Darwin Hoel, will be cooking up a tasty Texas lunch and dinner for the kids while volunteers take the kids out on the boats for a day full of activities.

Wake the World is growing and will expand to Tennessee, Alabama, and Virgina in the next year as the idea spreads across the country. If you would like to donate or get involved here in San Antonio, visit Wake the World Texas online or help spread the message on Facebook.

UPDATE: Watch KSAT12 News Coverage promoting the event!