PARKS MARINA EVENTS GARNER OVER $10 THOUSAND FOR CHARITIES

Posted on January 27, 2015 in Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Debbie Parks Debbie@parksmarina.com

As Winter Games wraps up, Parks Marina in Okoboji, IA is pleased to announce that several of their recent events including two during the University of Okoboji Winter Games will stand to benefit local and statewide charities.

Co-sponsored by Captain Morgan and the Barefoot Bar, the third annual Battle of the Bartenders held on the Thursday of Winter Games weekend garnered an impressive $4,423.02 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Fifteen area restaurants and pubs participated in this year's event. Each created a unique cocktail and decorated a tip jar in hopes of drawing tips from the crowd of tasters. The participant raising the most money in tips would have the honor of giving all of the evening's donations to their charity of choice. This year's winner was Holli Hansen of Zippers in Milford, IA.

A new event launched by Parks Marina this Winter Games, "Human Dogsled Races", drew 10 teams, 40 participants and attracted hundreds of on-lookers. $200 was raised and matched by the event co-sponsor, Budweiser. $400 will go to the Okoboji and Arnolds Park Fire and Rescue.

And, an event in its 5th year, the annual Christmas toy drive, Boat Loads of Toys, brought in a boat load! An impressive $3,300 in toys, cash and clothing donations was happily accepted by Upper Des Moines Opportunity of Dickinson County and were distributed to local youth and families.

"We thank all of the businesses who participated in these events like the Battle of the Bartenders," says Debbie Parks, Marketing Director at Parks Marina. "It's the generous spirit of those who played and those who came to give that truly exemplify the core values of our community and the Winter Games. I can't wait to see what next year brings for these events!"
In addition, an on-line auction and money given by staff at Parks Marina's Christmas party acquired around $2,700 for the victims of a recent apartment fire that left many Spirit Lake residents homeless right before the holidays.

Parks Marina continues to not only be dedicated to the service and care of its customers, but also to the Iowa Great Lakes Region and its surrounding communities

10K for local charities