SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia – Bridgewater Marina & Boat Rentals recently donated $28,327 to Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia, the culmination of the 2019 “Feed the Fish for Make-A-Wish” fundraising campaign.
Ryan Waters, Bridgewater Marina partner, said this was the third year of the initiative, and it’s most successful to date.
“We continue to be amazed by the generosity of customers and their dedication to supporting the important work of Make-A-Wish,” Waters said. “To date, they’ve allowed us to contribute just over $77,000, which is unbelievable.”
The mission of “Feed the Fish for Make-A-Wish,” he explained, is to turn a decades-long Smith Mountain Lake tradition – kids feeding popcorn to the massive carp that gather around the marina’s docks – into a way to contribute to a charity that serves children. The marina donates 100 percent of its popcorn sales to the Richmond-based non-profit.
Julia Blair Hunter, Director of Development for Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia, said the commitment of community supporters is even more critical in these challenging times.
“Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Make-A-Wish has made the difficult decision to postpone all wish travel and activities,” Hunter said. “Because of these postponements there will be more wish kids waiting for wishes than ever before. We are sincerely grateful to the team at Bridgewater Marina for continuing their commitment to wish children and their families.”
Hunter said the average wish costs $10,000 so Bridgewater Marina’s donation equates to nearly three wishes for children in Virginia facing critical illnesses. Examples include meeting celebrities, working a dream job and visiting a desired destination such as New York City.
Waters said Bridgewater Marina is continuing the program and hopes to raise $30,000 in 2020.
For more information, contact Waters at (540) 721-1639 or Hunter at (804) 217-9474, ext. 1278.
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About Bridgewater Marina & Boat Rentals:
Bridgewater Marina has served the Smith Mountain Lake region since 1989. Headquartered at Bridgewater Plaza, the company offers rentals of pontoons, tritoons, ski boats, wakeboard boats, deck boats, personal watercraft, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, water toys and more from five convenient locations. In addition to sales of used fleet vessels, Bridgewater Marina sells dockside gas and is a full-service retail store offering convenience items, water sports equipment, life jackets, apparel and SML souvenirs.
