Before you cast aspersions on the role model selected by the United Way team for their cardboard boat in this Saturday's "Rock the Boat" Cardboard Boat Races just off shore at the Inn at Harbor Shores, keep in mind that some of the more amazing moments in history have been launched in somebody's garage. Clearly, the small slice of corporate espionage (shown here) that was shared with me earlier today is evidence that United Way's yachtsmen (and yachtswomen, if that's a word) are crafting their cardboard vessel inside somebody's garage.
Nevertheless, these Guardians of Good appear to be blatantly thumbing their collective noses at maritime lore by brazenly adopting the ill-fated theme of The Titanic for their regatta entry, or perhaps we've been steered down a blind canal with trumped up promises that this is, indeed, intel collected on the United Way vessel.
At any rate, spectators from all walks of life and all age ranges are being strongly encouraged to make plans to head for the waterfront at the Inn at Harbor Shores early Saturday morning to find out for themselves whether or not Unsinkable "Murphy" Brown is punching a one way ticket to Davy Jones' Locker or simply rabble rousing the competition.
The St. Joseph River between the pier and the Inn at Harbor Shores is an active destination for large cargo ships, tankers, and your casual yachts and jet skis on any given fine weather day. This Saturday, however, the river will make room for new types of boats…like this mockingboat The Titanic…made entirely of cardboard.
Whirlpool Corporation will be hosting the ‘Rock the Boat’ cardboard boat races this Saturday at 10am at the Inn at Harbor Shores, with all proceeds benefiting United Way of Southwest Michigan.
Casey Tubman is Whirlpool's United Way Employee Campaign Coordinator. Tubman says, "Whirlpool Corporation is excited to sponsor the area's first annual cardboard boat race to raise funds for the United Way of Southwest Michigan,” then readily admits that “Rumor has it that we're going to see some very creative vessels on the water this Saturday."
The life-size boats are made of cardboard, duct tape and polyurethane, and powered entirely by human paddling. Companies such as Whirlpool, AEP Cook Nuclear Power Plant, North Pier Brewing Company, Boy Scouts of America (sponsored by B&Z Construction), and United Way of Southwest Michigan have assembled the vessels they’ll be unveiling this weekend, with hopes of racing the fastest boat and staying afloat.
President Anna Murphy of the United Way says, “This will be a race for first place, but we have a panel of judges lined up to vote on most creative boat and best themed boat, so you never know what you’re going to see come Saturday.” She also readily admits, “We are excited to be partnering with Whirlpool on this event and we hope this will be the first of many years of cardboard boat races.”
The event is wide open to the public spectating as well as balloting, wherein all observers will have a chance to vote for their favorite boats. There will be prize drawings and t-shirts for sale, and a DJ to provide the entertainment. For more information, visit www.uwsm.org/rocktheboat.
United Way is a global network that advances the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all by focusing on the four key building blocks of education, income, health and basic needs. The United Way movement creates long lasting community change by addressing the underlying causes of problems that prevent progress in these areas. LIVE UNITED is a call to action for everyone to become a part of the change. For more information about United Way, please visit www.uwsm.org.
