Founded in 1998 by Scott Payseur, Ground Zero staged evangelical outreach events for teenagers in northern Tennessee. Slowly the project grew. After obtaining its non-profit status, the group decided that its goal would be “to focus on empowering the Christian community” of teenagers. In 2006, operations were moved to Myrtle Beach. Today the group is working on opening a new club with a multi-purpose room, coffee shop and arcade—a safe place for teenagers to gather in an environment they find exciting.

Planned programs for the club include bands, comedy acts, movies and more. Having secured a location (904 Chester Street—the site of the Rivoli Theater), fundraising is the next step in making the club a completed reality. Ground Zero opts not for the typical bake sale or raffle ticket pushing, but a grand-scale dragon boat race and festival at The Market Common.

Consisting of 60 teams in 5 divisions, the 21-member teams fundraise for the cause. The accompanying festival is free to attend and will include music, food, inflatables and more.

Dragon Boat Festival
Grand Park, The Market Common Saturday, April 28 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Visit website to register your team or donate to the cause. (843) 497-0580 www.gzdragonboat.com