Shout Out to the Shootout Volunteers!
We definitely know how to have great events at the Lake of the Ozarks and we think this year’s Shootout is no exception as we celebrate another successful race event in the books this year. After months of planning and more than a week of action-packed events, the race teams as well as numerous local businesses at the Lake of the Ozarks and hundreds of volunteers are happy it went off so well, relieved it is done, and exhausted buy joyful for what they contributed and experienced.
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| photo credit: Fun Lake MO |
We are always SO grateful to the racing crews and sponsors
for all they do. It is so unique to be
able to see the caliber of boats that participate in the Shootout in an
unsanctioned race in the middle of the Midwest!
At the same time, we also know that the Shootout could not take place
without the thousands of hours of volunteer labor provided by local individuals
with a passion to help their lake area charity. That is why today’s blog is dedicated
as a shout out and a sincere thank you to everyone who volunteers their time to
make this great event happen year after year.
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| photo credit: Fun Lake MO |
At first, the Shootout was created to help raise money for
local fire departments. But over the
decades, it has grown to the point that it helps a long list of local non-profits
as well. In a short blog we do not have
time to mention every single charity that participates in and benefits from the
Shootout. But we can tell you that the
money they receive is based on the hours they put in and that may be a big
reason as to why the volunteers for this event are so warm and friendly and
team oriented. You can really feel the camaraderie
in the air in a way that is special compared to typical big events … a feeling
like we are all in this together because we love the lake area, and we love
racing, and we love helping each other and our community. Not only is every volunteer an integral part
to making the event happen, they also know that every hour they put in directly
benefits a cause they care deeply about.
That is no wonder when you look at the type of charities that participate. From charities like Make-a-Wish Foundation to Boy Scouts to Food Pantries to Citizens Against Domestic Violence, the Shootout makes an impact far beyond the week of racing events. Lake Area Industries provides job opportunity for adults with disabilities, Camp Wonderland creates an incredible camp experience for disabled children of all ages and abilities, and both are faithful participants and recipients from the Shootout. We don’t forget our furry friends here in the Ozarks either. Dogwood Animal Shelter and Forget Me Not Horse Rescue are also a part of the volunteer team at the Shootout. Of course, there are even people who volunteer organizing, driving golf carts to shuttle spectators, managing spectator boats and protecting the racecourse, planning the logistics and much, much more. Some of these individuals spend the whole weekend at the races but never really get to see them. But they are still happy to greet all the guests and help host this wonderful event that brings the community together in so many ways.
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| photo credit: Fun Lake MO |
So, THANK YOU volunteers for all you do, for all you have
done, and all you continue to do to make the Lake of the Ozarks a great place to live and work and play. We
appreciate your contribution to the community through your charity, and to the
Shootout itself. We appreciate your
heart, we respect your dedication, and we are grateful for the ability to bring
such an amazing event to people together from across the state and across the
nation. If you are inspired by knowing
how the Shootout has come to be, consider looking into volunteering at the Lake of the Ozarks yourself. There are countless quality
non-profits who do tremendous work here at the lake. We are sure at least one is out there just
waiting for someone like you!
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