Shore Dreams for Kids: Warranted Recognition
I have a handful of stories I’m working on or pursuing, but as of this morning on the drive to my office, this was not on my list. Facebook grabbed my attention as Dave Patnaude, president of the New Jersey Performance Powerboat Club, blasted my inbox with Facebook messages regarding the club’s 10th annual Shore Dreams for Kids.
Although I’ve never attended, I’ve reported on the event and understand what an amazing, feel-good celebration it has become. Each year, club members offer more than 600 special needs children and their family a day of carnival-atmosphere entertainment, including small rides, games, an antique car display, food and drinks, and, of course, powerboat rides.
You know, there are so many great things about high-performance boating—from the adrenaline rush and the hardware to the women and just flat-out being on the water for that perfect day. But my favorite has to be the overall bigheartedness of the boaters who can afford this lifestyle.
I saw it recently when it came to raising money for charities associated with the Desert Storm Poker Run in Lake Havasu City, Ariz., (click here for the story) and now today with the long list of sponsors who have already stepped up to raise money for the Shore Dreams for Kids event on July 14 in Seaside Heights, N.J., as well as the club’s first annual Casino Night charity fundraiser dinner on June 8 at the Crystal Point in Pt. Pleasant.
Patnaude said it’s the sponsors that help make the annual Shore Dreams for Kids event happen, not to mention the new fundraiser dinner, which will feature a Monte Carlo theme with Vegas-style gaming, a silent and live auction, a buffet and plenty of entertainment.
Below are many of the folks who have donated so far (we’ll add more as they come in so everyone is recognized for their generosity). If you’d like more information, click here for the sponsorship package.
Shore Dreams for Kids Sponsors
Deneen Peterson-White and Island Hospitaliy/Marriott Courtyard of Atlantic City, Scott Harvey and Lexus of Atlantic City, John Marotta of Freehold Ford, Ron Potter and Bob Christie of Potter Performance Engines, Allan and Denise Weber of Essential Pharmaceuticals, LLC, Alec Cloke of Princeton Developments, Scott Boone Enterprises, Frank and Tracy Constandi of Frank’s Auto Repair & Body Shop, Bernie Martins of Selective Automotive, Robert Truesdale of Crystal Point Catering, Dave Butkus of Freehold Dodge, Shelly LoCascio or Irwin Lincoln Mazda, Ed Zippo or Zippo’s Electronics, Drew Sciaulino of Precision Acura, Paul Gioe of NJ Outboards, Robert Furmato of Extreme Marine, Jim Courtney of Atlantic Boat Lift & Bulkhead, and Stacey Applegate of the Applegate family (in memory of Scott Applegate).
Related stories
and then