CHARLOTTE, NC Jan 5, 2003 - MasterCraft of Charlotte and watersports equipment supplier Trinity Board Shop, hosted a “Polar Bear” run New Year’s Day on Lake Wylie. The event was held to benefit Dakota Gay, a 12 year boy battling cancer. Participants were water-skiing, wakeboarding, tubing and even barefooting in the chilly 48 degree water. It was all in an effort to raise money for the 12-year-old. Gay's mother, Lannette Conder, said she was grateful for the support. "It's awesome. It's very, very awesome. None of these people even know Dakota, and here they are New Years day doing this for him, words cannot describe the feelings.”
MasterCraft of Charlotte has been holding a Polar Bear Run for years. But this was the first time it served as a fundraiser. "We figured we get these people together every year,” said Kevin Hussey of MasterCraft of Charlotte, “let's do it for a good cause and help Dakota and his family." Many local residents turned out in support of the event, "We're doing this today to raise money for a young fellow we all dearly love, Dakota Gay who is a resident here on Crowder Creek, just around the corner,” said Lake Wylie resident Mark Matheson.
The event featured a run by two time World Champion and Trinity Board Shop owner Maeghan Major. Ms. Major, with sponsors donating for each flip on her behalf, executed 20 inverts in a row without falling to add to the cause. “The sponsorship was for the number of inverts without falling…I had two motivating factors, Dakota and the water temp!” said Maeghan. Most participants had sponsors donating based on various factors such as number of flips, “wake jumps”, and “slalom turns” while others simply donated lump sums. Organizers estimated the attendance at 250-300 people. Donations for the day were approached $4000 and are currently being accepted at the following address:
“The Dakota Fund”
C/o MasterCraft of Charlotte
3529 S. Tryon St.
Charlotte, NC 28217
MasterCraft of Charlotte and Trinity Board Shop are located at 3529 S. Tryon St. in Charlotte, NC. MCOC is the Carolinas’ largest MasterCraft Dealer and recipient of MasterCraft’s 2003 “Dealer on the Move” award. For more information call (704) 525-6660 or visit our website at www.mastercraftofcharlotte.com.
