Local Veteran to be Surprised with
“Extreme Boat Make-Over” Reveal on
Opening Day of 2010 Grand Rapids Boat Show
(Grand Rapids, Mich) – One local veteran and his family will be surprised Wednesday night when their former clunker of a boat is unveiled to reveal a magnificent $28,000 transformation during the “Extreme Boat Make-Over” at the 65th Annual Grand Rapids Boat Show.
Back in November, Citadel Broadcasting station WLAV put out a request to its listeners in search of a Veteran or a special-needs individual who would benefit from a boat make-over. The response was overwhelming, with more than 40 heartfelt letters being sent in. Based on two strong nominations for the same individual, a deserving family of Veterans who have served our country around the world was selected.
“The intent with this promotion is to get one more family on the water,” says Kevin Zoodsma from Action Water Sports. “We wanted to help out someone who loves to boat and loves the water, but for some reason could not keep up with the maintenance. When we heard this local man’s story – sent to us by both his daughter-in-law and her sister-in-law – we knew we had our family.”
The identity of the family is being kept under wraps until the unveiling on the opening day of the Boat Show – Wednesday, February 17. At 7pm, Tony Gates from WLAV / WJRW will reveal the incredible make-over in the Action Water Sports display area in the north end of the main exhibit hall.
For the past few months, dedicated crews from Action Water Sports and dozens of other West Michigan companies have worked day in and day out to restore the 35 year old boat. Zoodsma coordinated the restoration efforts, reaching out to dozens of his colleagues in the boating industry, who collectively donated the time and materials to the project.
“The level of commitment from all these businesses has been overwhelming,” Zoodsma says. “Everyone stepped up and put their whole heart into restoring this boat for the family and we can’t wait to see their faces when we unveil it on Wednesday night.”
In addition to Action Water Sports, businesses involved in the Extreme Boat Make Over” include:
- Nautical Needle – vinyl, upholstery & cover
- Deleeuw Lumber – panels and motorbox fabrication
- Meade Distributing - Provided Vinyl Products
- Compass Design – Graphics
- TriVantage
- Total Plastics Inc.
- Land N Sea – Distributor (organized all part donations below)
SeaChoice – boat hardware, misc parts
Sierra/Teleflex – engine components & controls
Fusion – audio components
Ronix – watersports equipment
Radar – watersports equipment
Taylor – bimini & cocking equipment
Minn Kota – battery charger
Humminbird – fish finder
Hawkeye – depth finder
Garelick – outboard lift/ladder
Johnson Pump – Bilge/Aerator pump
Blue Sea Systems – Switch Panel
Interstate Batteries of Grand Rapids – Batteries
Turning Point - Prop
Wise – Back-to-back seating
Towers Unlimited – Deck Rail
Beckson
- Phoenix Trailer – donated & built the trailer
- Alro Steel – donated the steel for the trailer
- Cequent/Fulton Products – donated the trailer winch & jack
- Unique Functional Products – donated the trailer axles & brakes
- Greenball Tire & Wheel – donated the trailer tires and wheels
A West Michigan tradition, the Grand Rapids Boat Show – Michigan’s
longest running boat show – draws some 30 dealers with the newest and
best watercraft from nearly 80 manufacturers. Exhibits include a range
of boats from 16 to 40 feet, including cruisers, fishing boats, ski
boats, pontoons and kayaks. You’ll also find boating accessories and
services like marina slips, brokers, ship stores and ski gear. Special
entertainment includes an Antique & Classic Boat Display, alongside
a collection from the Michigan Maritime Museum; the Huge Lagoon
featuring wakeboarding and kayak demos; a single-day boating safety
certification class; demonstrations in the dive tank; seminars and much
more.
Grand Rapids Boat Show Hours are:
Wednesday, February 17 (3-9:30pm)
Thursday, February 18 (3-9:30pm)
Friday, February 19 (11am-9:30pm)
Saturday, February 20 (10am-9pm)
Sunday, February 21 (11am-6pm)
Admission: $9 adults, $4 for children 6-14 and free for children 5 and under, when accompanied by an adult.
NEW FOR 2010 – STOP BY THE COAT CHECK BEFORE LEAVING THE
SHOW TO RECEIVE A RE-ADMISSION WRIST BAND, WHICH GETS YOU BACK INTO THE
SHOW – FOR NO EXTRA CHARGE – ALL WEEK/END LONG!
For more information call 800-328-6550 or visit our website at
www.GRBoatShow.com.
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PRODUCED BY:
ShowSpan, Inc. and Show Wisconsin are dba's of Show Michigan
2121 Celebration Dr NE • Grand Rapids, Michigan 49525 • 616-447-2860 • FAX: 616-447-2861
www.ShowSpan.com •
Events@ShowSpan.com