MRAA members boost educational funding
OAK PARK, Ill. -Several Marine Retailers Association of American members have been inspired by a sizable contribution to the Kevin Lodder Scholarship Fund by Prince William Marine Sales, Woodbridge, Va., the MRAA reported in a statement today.
Carlton Phillips of Prince William had earlier pledged $25 per boat they sold to go to this fund, which resulted in a $7,800 contribution late last month.
“It is time that everyone in this industry invests in ourselves,” Phillips said. “This is one way of contributing because training is essential.”
Phillips made the $25 pledge during the MRAA Annual Convention last November as MRAA board member, J.R. Means III of Bayport Yachts had taken the podium during the Dealer Issues Forum to encourage those in attendance to find an issue to rally around.
Means produced a $100 bill and asked for further contributions. Those in the audience came forth with $5,500 and Carlton Phillips’ pledge on the back of his business card.
“We had no idea what that business card was going to mean,” said Ed Lofgren, chairman of the MRAA Educational Foundation. “The recipient of the Kevin Lodder Scholarship, when it is presented, will owe a debt of gratitude to Prince William Marine Sales.”
Now Lofgren, owner of 3A Marine Service in Hingham, Mass., is following Phillips’ pledge with his own. 3A Marine Service will donate $25 per boat for all boats sold in 2006 to go to the Kevin Lodder Scholarship Fund.
J.R. Means, III of Bayport Yachts in Newport Beach, Calif, has also been inspired by the contributions of his peers, pledging to contribute $100 per vessel for each sold in 2006 to the scholarship fund.
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