The seventh annual What Floats Your Cardboard Boat? Race took on a transportation theme as 16 entrants paddled for prizes and kicked off United Way of Jackson County’s fall fundraising campaign.
Aladdin Electric’s “Aqua Bucket” outdistanced the other competitors at the urban fishery pond at Cascade Falls Park. Second place went to Western High School.
Ken Toll, President and CEO of United Way of Jackson County (UWJC), said the teamwork symbolized by the boat race also represents the key ingredient to eliminating poverty. "When our community comes together, we can accomplish anything—from paddling a cardboard boat to helping all people achieve financial stability,” he said.
The race serves both as a community event and the launch of United Way’s annual campaign. In 2016, UWJC announced it would channel efforts to helping Jackson County residents overcome poverty and economic instability—the common link across the community’s greatest social issues. Its long-term goal is to help 5,000 residents develop a pathway to financial stability by 2025.
The cardboard boats featured many modes of transportation besides boats, from a fighter jet to a snowplow to a helicopter. More than 350 spectators turned out for the event.
Besides the winning team, award winners at this year’s event included Jackson County Department of Transportation’s “Plowtanic” for Judges’ Choice; Michigan Automotive Compressor Inc.’s “MACI Mustang” for People’s Choice; Henry Ford Allegiance Health’s “Flying Into The Next Century” for Best Representation of Theme; and Flagstar Bank’s “Foxtrot Sierra Bravo” for Most Spectacular Sinking.
Other organizations that entered the race were Consumers Energy, Jackson County Medical Care, County National Bank, Eaton Aerospace, CP Federal Credit Union, Old National Bank, EXIT Realty, Target, Walton Insurance Group, and Huff Auto Group.
To underscore its partnerships and work against poverty, UWJC is posting information online. This includes the 2018 campaign video; video testimonials titled “Letters from Poverty”; and ongoing installments of the blog series, IMPACTS. Links are available at uwjackson.org [uwjackson.org] and on UWJC’s social media channels—Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.
To find out more or to make a gift to United Way, go to uwjackson.org [uwjackson.org] and click on “Donate,” or call 517-784-0511.
About United Way of Jackson County
United Way of Jackson County mobilizes people, organizations and funds to create a community rich in opportunities to eliminate poverty and allow all people to achieve financial stability and success. We are committed to helping 5,000 Jackson County residents develop a pathway to financial success by 2025. Visit our website at www.uwjackson.org [uwjackson.org], or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.
Source: Press Release
