PARKS MARINA RAISES OVER TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR LOCAL CHARITIES

Posted on February 5, 2016 in Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information contact:
Debbie Parks, Parks Marina at debbie@parksmarina.com | 712.332.7303

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 in upwards of $10,000.

Co-sponsored by Malibu, the fourth annual Battle of the Bartenders held on the Thursday of Winter Games weekend garnered an impressive $3,674.95 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Iowa. Nineteen area restaurants and pubs participated in this years 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.

In a new Winter Games event launched by Parks Marina now in its second year, "Human Dogsled Races" drew 17 teams, 68 participants and attracted over a thousand on-lookers. $340 was raised and matched by the event co-sponsor, Budweiser. $680 will go to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of Greater Iowa.

And, an event in its 6th year, the annual Christmas toy drive, Boat Loads of Toys, brought in a boat load! A record $5,800 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 only hope we can continue to grow these events!"

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.

Pictured above from left: Human Dogsled Races at Parks Marina, Holli Hansen and William "Dub" Davis from Zippers - winner of the Battle of the Bartenders, the Parks Marina staff at the Boat Loads of Toys donation site.