April 7. The Joshua Murray Boating, Safety, Education and Awareness Center fundraiser on Sunday was filled with music, community spirit, and a shared commitment to enhancing boating safety on Lake Norman.

The event at Boatyard Lake Norman brought together a passionate group of supporters, including residents, local leaders and representatives from numerous businesses and organizations, all dedicated to the center’s mission of saving lives through education and awareness.

Joshua Murray

The program featured a moving performance of the national anthem on guitar by Howard Clark, followed by energetic sets from The Stormin Norman Experience.

A highlight of the afternoon was the heartfelt welcome and introduction of Andrew Murray and his wife Pam, the parents of the center’s namesake, Cornelius Police Lake Officer Joshua Murray. Andrew Murray shared a powerful message about boating safety, carrying forward his son’s legacy.

Quotable

“We are absolutely overwhelmed by the incredible turnout and the generosity shown at Rock the Boat,” said CPD Officer George Brinzey. “The energy and support from our community were truly inspiring. The funds raised will directly fuel our efforts to expand our educational programs, provide essential safety equipment, and ultimately make Lake Norman a safer place for everyone.”

The Joshua Murray Boating, Safety, Education and Awareness Center extends its sincere gratitude to the following for their invaluable contributions to the success of Rock the Boat 2025:

Venue: Boat Yard

Entertainment: The Stormin Norman Experience

Front Desk Volunteers: Will Zandhuis, Evan Essex

Organizers: Elise Redmond and the Float It Forward charity, George Brinzey and Cornelius Police, Dennis Kazmierczak, Mike Hauser

T-Shirt Sponsors: Service Plumbing of Charlotte, Cashion’s, Champion Tire

Captain Sponsors: Top Deck Charity

Chief Mate Sponsors: City Lighting Products Company, Hauser & Sons, Sea Tow, Schreck Family, CultuRE

Commodore Sponsors: Fin and Fino Birkdale, Freedom Boat Club, GEICO, LVN LKN, Mirage Irrigation, Aloha Paddle LKN

Significant Donors: Kurtz family, Kazmierczak family, Carlet family, Welborn family, Wells family, Marino family, Ellis family, Bamford family, Miller Family, Rock Family

The Joshua Murray Boating, Safety, Education and Awareness Center is dedicated to saving lives on the water by educating boaters and providing critical safety resources. Located at Blythe Landing, the center offers free boating safety education to the public.