“My mom was an incredible woman who was admired by many for her tireless dedication to the marine industry,” Dave said. “In recognition of my mom and all the dedicated women who serve this industry — and in support of marine dealer training and education, I’d like to challenge you to support this cause and follow my journey.”
To kick things off, Dave has personally pledged to donate $500 to the Foundation, and Spader 20 Group 104 — of which Dave is a member — has already committed to donations totaling $4,110. Dave, however, is not satisfied. His goal is to raise more than $30,000 to support the training and education of marine retailers throughout North America, made possible through MRAA Educational Foundation scholarships and awards.
Dave will feature the logo of the company or group represented by the person who donates the most to the MRAA Educational Foundation between now and Oct. 9 on his shirt, both during the Chicago Marathon and on stage during the Awards Breakfast at the 2016 Marine Dealer Conference & Expo, Dec. 5-8, Orlando.
In the meantime, Dave will post regular updates on fundraising milestones, his training regimen and other stops along his path to the Chicago Marathon on Instagram at DaveInRea1Life.
The Darlene Briggs Marine Woman of the Year honor is just one of the scholarships and awards distributed each year by the MRAA Educational Foundation. The Kevin Lodder Scholarship, ABYC Scholarships, Duane Spader Leadership Development Scholarship and MRAA Technical Scholarships are all presented by the Foundation each year at MDCE. This year’s scholarships and award are expected to be worth more than $25,000 in training and education for people working in the boating business.
Applications and nominations are being accepted for all MRAA Educational Foundation scholarships and awards now through September 31.
Visit https://mraa.com/Foundation to support Dave’s journey to the Chicago Marathon through a donation, to watch his video challenge and to learn more about and apply for a MRAA Educational Foundation scholarship or award.
About MRAA Educational Foundation
As part of its mission to create a strong and healthy boating industry, the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas is committed to offering training, education and professional development opportunities to its members and the entire marine dealer community. In 2004, the association launched the MRAA Educational Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c) 3 corporation, to provide financial support for education, training and professional development in the recreational marine trades.