Registration Open For Support Our Troops Poker Run And BFD Fun Run

The Midwest home of Fountain Powerboats, Donzi Marine and Baja Marine at the Lake of the Ozarks, Osage Beach, Mo.-headquartered Big Thunder Marine has opened registration for the 15th annual Support Our Troops Poker Run and fifth annual Baja, Donzi and Fountain Fun Run. The Support Our Troops happening is set for June 24 and the BFD event is scheduled for July 21-22.

With Big Thunder Marine as its primary backer and organizer, the Support Our Troops Poker Run will celebrate its 15th anniversary in June. Photos by Jeff Helmkamp copyright Helmkamp Photos.

In addition to providing a day of boating and more for veterans, Support Our Troops raises funds for H.E.R.O.E.S. Care, a Fenton, Mo.-based program that “provides support for members of all branches of the military and their families through pre-deployment, deployment, family reintegration and post-deployment,” according to its website.

In 2021, the event raised more than $20,000 for the organization thanks its participants and sponsors including Poly Lift Boat Lifts, which has supported the event since its inception, Dog Days, Jay Enn Corporation, Dock Works, WIA Marine Insurance, Midwest Boat Party, Pro DeZigns, Bob’s No Wake Zone, Coconuts, Lake Burger, Tap & Grill, Neon Taco, Glencove Gas Dock, Bear Bottom, Frankie and Louie’s, and Paradise.

“Last year we had 75 boats show up in less-than-ideal conditions,” said Jeremy Anderson, the general manger of Big Thunder Marine. “This year it would be great if we could hit 100 boats and give more money to H.E.R.O.E.S. Care than ever before.

“The powerboat community is very generous and it’s great to see so many come out to support our troops,” he added. “For many, this is a must-do run every year”

Would-be Support Our Troops participants can register by clicking here. The “minimum” entry fee is $150, all of which goes to support the H.E.R.O.E.S. Care program. Additional donations are “encouraged and appreciated.”

A customer-appreciation event and a hit with Baja, Donzi and Fountain fan, the BFD Fun Run continues to grow.

A customer-appreciation event as well as a celebration of three famous powerboat brands, the Baja, Donzi and Fountain Fun Run has grown each year since it was launched in 2018. The two-day happening includes a Thursday night reception at Big Thunder Marine’s Speed and Luxury showroom followed by the multi-stop main event on Friday.

“If you’re coming to the lake for the first time on Friday, we show you around most of the lake during the run,” said Ed Champion, a longtime salesman at Big Thunder Marine. “Everyone ends up meeting new people and spends the rest of the weekend checking out new spots with new friends. If you’re a regular, it’s all about making memories.”

Baja, Fountain and Donzi owners interested in the BFD event can register by clicking here. There is no sign-up fee.

Registration Open For Support Our Troops Poker Run And BFD Fun Run

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