Big Day at the Lake has blown through its financial goals for 2018—more than $113,000 will go directly to Big Brothers Big Sisters—but Boat Hosts are still needed to take at-risk kids from BBBS out on Lake Norman July 21 for Big Day at the Lake.
The deadline to register as a Boat Host is July 13.
“Big Day at the Lake is always amazing fun and the joy on these kids’ faces is priceless,” said Heidi Hansen, captain of the Boat Hosts.
Each child comes with a built-in chaperone—his or her “Big,” a carefully vetted adult mentor—and a signed liability waiver.
Boat Hosts meet their guests where they want: A home, marina, boat ramp or club.
Then comes a morning of tubing and swimming. Many Boat Hosts join together for group raft-ups or fun on islands. Police and fire boats join in with tours, rides and demonstrations.
The day ends with a picnic at the Energy Explorium for as many as 600 children and adults.
Many local employers and national corporations are BDATL sponsors. The Presenting sponsors are Cornelius-based Champion Tire & Wheel and San Jose-based PayPal.
Other large corporate sponsors include ACN Inc., Aloha Paddle Sports, Aquesta, Cashion’s Quik Stop, Lake Norman Chrysler Jeep Dodge and Publix.
Community-based sponsors include Lake Norman Kiwanis and North Mecklenburg Rotary.
The goal this year was $110,000 in cash for Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Big Day at the Lake has virtually no overhead, thanks to the generosity of in-kind gifts from companies like Alpha-Graphics (printing) and restaurants ranging from Alton’s Kitchen & Cocktails to Big Bite’z and from Dressler’s to Mama’s Pizza, not to mention Duke Energy which provides picnic facilities and staffing at the Energy Explorium.
The event July 21 is open to BBBS kids, their mentors, Boat Hosts and volunteers who have registered at www.bigdayatthelake.com
Big Day at the Lake has three goals: Provide a day of fun on the lake for kids in BBBS; raise money for a worthy non-profit; and recruit Bigs, or mentors, for at-risk children.
Over the past 14 years, thousands of children have participated in Big Day at the Lake. Corporate sponsors and individuals have contributed more than $1.2 million since 2004.
To register as a Boat Host or to volunteer, go to www.bigdayatthelake.com All told, about 125 Boat Hosts are needed, as well as 75 volunteers.
