Chasing a Dream: One Wave at a Time

CLARIFICATION: My goal is to race from Virginia to New Jersey on a Waverunner (jetski)

Chasing a Dream: One Wave at a Time
I am fortunate to have enjoyed observing the advancements in personal water crafts over the past three decades; my fascination with jet skis began at the age of fifteen, leading to a role as a jet ski instructor in New Jersey in my late teens and early twenties. Growing up in a water-loving family created a lifelong love of the water, and jet skis served a dual purpose: fueling my teenage interest in speed, to be perfectly frank, and providing an opportunity to travel from Points A to B with the benefit of observing nature along the way. In recent years, I have searched for ways to share this enthusiasm with others, and more importantly, combine that love of jet skis and the water with a philanthropic component. My career has predominantly involved the security sector, which has afforded me the opportunity to assist others on multiple occasions, and made me increasingly aware of the necessity of support for those in need. Philanthropic campaigns to assist at-risk youth and “stomp out” bullying have always drawn my support, and social responsibility themes, particularly in terms of respecting human rights, are appealing to me.


I live in Virginia Beach, Virginia. I began the process of planning this endeavor two decades ago, but when life became very busy at the turn of the century, I put this goal on hold, hoping to reach a point in life where I could resume a dream of combining my passion for jet skis and philanthropic causes. I do not want to regret anything in life, as that is not how I want to leave this planet, nor do I want to be false when telling others to go for their dreams when I have not finished fulfilling mine.

I want my son to look at his dad and say, feel, and/or think I am proud or tell his friends, “That’s my dad!”. I never want him to feel ashamed or bullied for fighting for a positive cause in which he believes. I would like for my son to know that he can overcome and reach his star in the sky regardless of obstacles in his path.

I genuinely believe in people’s ability to change the world into something better. I believe each one of us has the ability to create a canvas unique to each of us to share with the world and guide someone who has yet to find their unique way of letting their canvas to be expressed.

Too many young adults leave our planet before they even start living; many never have the opportunity to attain their goals and dreams. Bullying needs to stop across the board and our youth’s self-esteem needs to grow. If just one thing can spark a child’s dream, then why not give them something for which to strive other than the correctional facility or worse, a life ended before even starting?

So, what is this dream that I intend to fulfill? My goal is to navigate a personal water craft (jet ski) from Virginia Beach to Brick, New Jersey to show to our youth that no matter how much someone or something holds one back, or how degraded one feels, that it is possible to leave the darkness behind. It is possible to stand up for themselves, and there are people on this planet who do understand, and want them to pursue their goals, reach for the stars, and persevere no matter how many times they are knocked down.

So, what is the purpose of this funding campaign? Funds received will go towards the jet ski trip from Virginia Beach to Brick, NJ. During this campaign, I will also be actively seeking support from anti-bullying organizations as I attempt to fulfill my dream, and raise funds for anti-bullying efforts in the process. Thank you for the support and donations towards not only fulfilling my dream, but supporting a vital cause.


CLARIFICATION: My goal is to race from Virginia to New Jersey on a Waverunner (jetski)