Karen, her son Zack and I wanted to let everyone know that this was a great event. I became aware of this event though the folks in the NJPPC, specifically Mr. Dave Patnaude and Mr. Pete Mazzo.

We left our home in Maryland at 7 am on Sat morning and made the 2.5 hour drive to Toms River, NJ where we launched the boat at Coty Marine on Silver Bay which was about 5 miles from the event site.

Shore Dreams for Kids throws a party for disabled children and adults each year inviting folks from the Make A Wish Foundation and a number of community homes that care for disabled children and adults. Pete told me there were about 250 that came for rides and there were about 35 volunteer boats providing the rides.

Karen's son Zach did a great job helping folks on and off the boat and was a tremendous asset during the day. In addition forum member 'Big Dawg' met us at the Marina and showed me the local water during the day as we gave people rides.

We had a great time and were thrilled to have the opportunity to help out and wanted to thank Pete and Debbie Mazzo, Dave and Kelly Patnaude and all the wonderful people like Tom Toto, Geralyn Monroe and many many others. Here are some shots from the day.

Our boat ready to launch at Coty Marine in Toms River. The folks there were great.

 

the ramp behind Coty Marine - well protected and easy to access

 

Mike (Big Dawg) giving me directions pulling out of the narrow channel into Silver Bay

 

on plane and on our way to the event site

 

Dave Patnaude's 36 Concept being driven on Sat by Tom Healey at the dock picking up kids for rides. I forget how many volunteer 'staff' Dave said there were, but all of the folks in red shirts on the dock were helping, and there were probably twice as many behind them!

 

your truly (topless ) conferring with Mr. Poker Run himself - Charlie Amarosi and Geralyn

 

kids being helped on the boat for the first ride of the day.

 

our first group

 

Tom Healey in the Concept CC and others coming and going

 

coming back from our first ride

 

really nice looking cat giving rides

 

Tom Toto in his 47 OL - super nice guy and family and I LOVE HIS BOAT!!!!

 

beautiful day and conditions

 

boats loading and unloading passengers. This was very well orchestrated. Pete Mazzo's beautiful OL in the center.

 

Pete Mazzo's 47' OL. People lined up along the dock waiting their turn.

 

beautiful Nortech Cat

 

Big & FAST Scarab - big power!!!

 

our first group

And a ride they will Never forget. Very Cool... :jeff:

 

very classic super clean Cigarette 35 Top Gun which splashed right behind us at Coty Marine

 

our 2nd group....

 

really nice Activator giving rides

 

Frank and Jeanine D'Agostino in their beautiful 47' OL up from Brigantine for the day

 

Karen's son Zach - our rope monkey for the day

 

our 3rd group

 

very pretty top gun giving rides