The Dare County
Boat Builders Foundation
PO Box 305
Manns Harbor, NC 27953
John Bayliss, President
Ricky Scarborough Jr., VP
Robin Mann, Treasure
The following companies and individuals
are
supporters of the DCBBF and have
made contribuitions
to the foundation.
• Bayliss Boatworks
• Blackwell Boats
• Bradely Custom Boats
• Briglia Boat Works
• Cabin Fever Communications
• Finn Gaddy
• Freedom Boatworks
• Griffin Marine
• Holton Custom Yachts
• Johnson Boatworks
• Mann Custom Boats
• Ritchie Howell
• Ricky Scarborough Jr.
• Spencer Yachts, inc.
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It all started back
in 2003 when the community learned that a good friend and colleague
on the Outer Banks faced a very serious illness. Taylor Harrison,
a talented and respected boatbuilder, was losing his battle with
cancer and members of the Dare County sportfishing family were
devastated.
Soon after Harrison’s death, friends John Bayliss and Mike
Merritt discussed how they could help Harrison’s two teenage
children, Mallory and Alex, with their educational expenses. Merritt
suggested starting a scholarship fund that was funded by an offshore
fishing tournament featuring boats built in Dare County.
It was decided in the winter of 2007
that a new foundation would be formed allowing the organization
to help many families beyond the Taylors. Now, as a stand alone
501-C3 non-profit association, the Dare County Boat Builders Foundation
has a mission to “develop, encourage and promote public
awareness of the historical and cultural heritage of boat building
in Dare County and to support educational opportunities for students.”
As Board member John Bayliss says, “The Board wants to position
the Foundation to provide broad educational support for Dare County
students and their families. The fishing tournament is just one
vehicle to achieve this goal.”
Thanks to the efforts of the Dare
County Boat Builders Foundation, the short-term goal of raising
money to cover Mallory and Alex Harrison’s educational expenses
had been achieved. Mallory credits the Foundation scholarship
for her opportunity to attend college and successful completion
of her degree. Likewise, Alex Harrison furthered his education
as a result of the scholarship support from the Foundation.
Today, the foundation is supported
by local and national businesses and individuals who believe that
everyone should have the chance to further their education beyond
high school. Each year, the foundation will award financial aide
and assistance to those who apply and qualify.
Scholarships are awarded to high
school seniors in Dare County that plan to further their education.
For an application or to make a contribution to this worthwhile
effort, please contact Robin Mann at PO Box 305, Manns
Harbor, NC 27953 or call 252.473.1716 |