Dare County Boat Builders Foundation donates $5000 to College of the Albemarle
Posted on January 12, 2009
Newly formed Dare County Boat Builders Foundation generously made a gift of $5000 to the College of the Albemarle in support of the school's extensive boat building trade programs.
"Since 2004, contributions from the Dare County Boat Builders' Challenge have provided for equipment, supplies, curriculum development, advertising, and student scholarships for the program," says COA Dare Campus Dean Teresa James.
According to James, the gift also supports an exciting campus expansion that includes a new 2500 sq ft. boat building classroom and upgrading the lab with new and appropriate teaching materials.
The Dare County Boat Builders Foundation formed in 2007 after a group of individuals felt the efforts of their tournament fundraiser, the Boat Builders Challenge, needed to formally expand to impact the entire community. Originally, the tournament, held annually at Pirates Cove since 2003, was created to provide money for college education expenses to the late Taylor Harrison's children. (Taylor Made Boats in Kill Devil Hills)
"We're excited about the success of the tournament in 2008 and what we're able to offer for local students and educational programs like those at COA this year," says Foundation President John Bayliss. "Our goal is to also provide support for graduating Dare County seniors and their families."
Made up of local marine industry professionals and supporters, the Foundation is currently finalizing the 2009 scholarship criteria for graduating high school seniors.