Makenna's FREE RIDE Boat Project!
Donation protected
It hit me like a ton of bricks the first time I took my best friend Christine out on my fathers jet boat here in Florida. Something I have been doing and enjoying with my family since I was little. But Christine has been confined to a wheelchair since she was born (cerebral palsy) and its a real strain financially on her family as well. Don't feel sorry for her, EVER, she's the coolest person I know but I didn't realize she didn't get to do some of the things I do all the time with my family. I love the water, fishing and feeling the ocean air as you drive along in the sunshine. There is such freedom! As a kid, I didn't release how expensive it is for someone to simply take a boat ride.
Then it hit me. I could really give back on my own and show my graditute to people that can't afford this kind of luxury. Its a win-win. So...
Step 1 - I got my Florida Statge boaters license which allows me as a 14 year old to take people out on the boat on my own.
Step 2 - Get a boat! I researched extensively and decided on a 15 foot, simply Bostan Whaler which is an unsinkable boat and great fun!
Step 3 - Raise the money on my own and make this a project of love and contribution. See I have come to understand that there are a lot of single parents who spend so much time working they can't afford to treat their kids. (Even a trip to Disneyland may cost them $300 or more). I've found retired folks who have loved fishing and boating when they were younger but they didn't save enough to enjoy this in their "older age".
Then, like my friend Christine, there are so many kids that may be sick, disabled, or just suffering. I have a vision that a day out in the sunshine, watching dolphins, fishing, and enjoying the water and maybe a picnic might just boost there spirt, give them some hope, and provide them the joy I was taking for granted. These day excursions are FREE for them. I plan to do at least 3 a month and if I raise enough perhaps I can even fly people down to Florida beyond just helping locals! Please help raise the money to make it happen. Any contributions help, perhaps skip Starbucks for a few days and send $20.
.. perhaps send more!
And finally, as a tribute to my dear friend Melissa who lost her son at 4 years old to a drowning accident, I will name the boat DREW and publish and promote articles and videos about water safety.
My mom always taught me the more you give, the more you get back. I want to get back smiles, testimonials and some amazing days with new friends on the waters around Tampa Bay. Thanks SO MUCH for your help and support. It means the world to US!
Then it hit me. I could really give back on my own and show my graditute to people that can't afford this kind of luxury. Its a win-win. So...
Step 1 - I got my Florida Statge boaters license which allows me as a 14 year old to take people out on the boat on my own.
Step 2 - Get a boat! I researched extensively and decided on a 15 foot, simply Bostan Whaler which is an unsinkable boat and great fun!
Step 3 - Raise the money on my own and make this a project of love and contribution. See I have come to understand that there are a lot of single parents who spend so much time working they can't afford to treat their kids. (Even a trip to Disneyland may cost them $300 or more). I've found retired folks who have loved fishing and boating when they were younger but they didn't save enough to enjoy this in their "older age".
Then, like my friend Christine, there are so many kids that may be sick, disabled, or just suffering. I have a vision that a day out in the sunshine, watching dolphins, fishing, and enjoying the water and maybe a picnic might just boost there spirt, give them some hope, and provide them the joy I was taking for granted. These day excursions are FREE for them. I plan to do at least 3 a month and if I raise enough perhaps I can even fly people down to Florida beyond just helping locals! Please help raise the money to make it happen. Any contributions help, perhaps skip Starbucks for a few days and send $20.
.. perhaps send more!
And finally, as a tribute to my dear friend Melissa who lost her son at 4 years old to a drowning accident, I will name the boat DREW and publish and promote articles and videos about water safety.
My mom always taught me the more you give, the more you get back. I want to get back smiles, testimonials and some amazing days with new friends on the waters around Tampa Bay. Thanks SO MUCH for your help and support. It means the world to US!
Organizer
Makenna Riley
Organizer
St. Petersburg, FL
