Record Shattered! Lake Of The Ozarks Shootout Donates $625,000
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In the News: Record Shattered! Lake Of The Ozarks Shootout Donates $625,000
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It’s almost hard to believe that the charitable donations provided from the 34th annual Lake of the Ozarks Shootout in Central Missouri could possibly exceed the $445,000 total from 2021, but it did—by a lot. With dozens of checks adding up to $625,000, the organizers of the hugely popular late-August event made the announcement and handed out those checks to 40 charities this evening at Performance Boat Center, the Shootout’s annual presenting sponsor.
Presented by Performance Boat Center, the 2022 Lake of the Ozarks Shootout raised $625,000. Photo by Pete Boden/Shoot 2 Thrill Pix
The event announced the news in a release tonight and it was clear by the jaw-dropping news that the tears were going to flow and the smiles would be big tonight—starting with several members of the Shootout committee, including board president Ron Duggan, the owner of Captain Ron’s Bar and Grill, the host location in Sunrise Beach, newly inducted Bob Morgan Memorial Hall of Fame member Mark Maasen of Poly Lift Boat Lifts, first-year Shootout executive director Leah Martin and more.
“I can’t believe it; it’s just awesome,” said Maasen, who was a volunteer at the original Shootout and has been involved ever since. “When you compare the Shootout to other fundraising things that happen at the lake, we’re setting the bar, in a huge way. Somehow it continues to grow. I mean we hoped to see a number like this, but I didn’t know if we really could. The optimist in me feels like it can keep growing, too. Who knows, maybe we could see seven digits?
“Our poker run was off the charts this year, so was the Shootout on the Strip and everything else,” he added. “I know the economy could affect things, but I don’t see any reason for this event to slow, especially with Leah having a year under her belt—she’s great. Tonight is the night I always tell everyone about, especially if anyone asks me if I get paid to do this. ‘I don’t take a penny; I get my paycheck in October or November when we get to hand out the money.’ That’s the real reward.”
Duggan, who continues to be blown away by the event’s growth, said the event sold $150,000 in T-shirts in 2022. He’s also optimistic about next year’s Shootout, which is scheduled for August 26-27 and the week leading up to that, especially with Martin leading the way.
Members of the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout organizing committee enjoyed a photo opportunity created by the record-setting donation.
“Gathering more local and national support, momentum and recognition each year, those who support and help organize the Shootout realize that raising a combined $625,000 is an immense feat, and an incredible accomplishment,” Duggan said in the release. “These donations impact the lives of thousands upon thousands of individuals at the Lake of the Ozarks, and around the State of Missouri. The impact that this event has is what makes it not only one of the best boating events in the country, but the very best anywhere. This event wouldn’t happen without our amazing 659 volunteers who donated nearly 9,000 hours of their time and energy this year, and they make the event possible every year.”
According to Brett Manire, who owns Performance Boat Center with Mark Waddington, the Osage Beach-based dealership and service center is sponsoring the 2023 event again, which means the annual Thursday Welcome Party is still on.
“Since Performance Boat Center started, we have always wanted to be and will continue to be involved with the Shootout—there’s nothing like it at the lake or anywhere else in the country,” Manire told speedonthewater.com. “This event is too cool, reaches too many families and impacts too many charities for us to not continue to be involved. Like I told Leah, the Shootout is not just a boat race here at the lake, it reaches deep into this community as well to the thousands of powerboaters who come from all over the country that week. The Shootout allows us to showcase what we do here at Performance Boat Center and what the lake has to offer—in a substantial way.”
Longtime Shootout volunteer, Diana Dorhauer—the saint who oversees race registration and has been involved in the event for more than three decade—said she volunteers for several reasons.
“First and foremost, I volunteer because of what the event has done and continues to do for the Osage Beach Fire Protection District,” said Dorhauer, whose is married to retired OBFPD chief Jeff Dorhauer, and has witnessed, firsthand, what these funds do for first responders. “One of the many projects that Jeff took part in involved the Missouri Eagle Scouts who build memorials for firefighters, police, and EMTs/paramedics who have died in the line of duty. OBFPD’s donation is earmarked for this project. Remembering and honoring those who were willing to give their all for our community: this is my ‘why,’ and it’s what drives me to volunteer for the Shootout.”
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