Powerboat community shows support for The Dream Ride

by Marilyn DeMartini on 2 Aug 2014 The powerboat racing and performance boating communities have always stuck together and always supported good causes and efforts. It is no surprise that when The Dream Ride, a motorcycle and automotive extravaganza conceived by Mike Bozzuto of Bozzuto's Inc., a large New England-based grocery wholesaler to benefit the Special Olympics, two of his buddies were onboard immediately. Tom Abrams of Reliable Carriers and Danny DeSantis of DeSantis Chevrolet, both competitive APBA Powerboat racers in the heydays of late 1990s to early 2000s era became sponsors and now 13 years later, both are still ardent supporters of The Dream Ride.

While the motorcycle ride and car show event was a big success in Bozzuto's Connecticut home territory, two years ago, the event expanded to include riders from Australia and Canada and then to South Florida. Now, in its second year, The Dream Ride will travel 1,900 miles from West Palm Beach's PGA Resort & Spa to the Farmington Club in Farmington, CT. PR Power, a Ft. Lauderdale, FL-based marketing agency, got involved to assist in expanding the press and motorcycle community awareness of the event and the company's owner, Marilyn DeMartini, decided to do the ride to raise money and awareness as well. While she will be covering the event for motorcycle recreational publication, Thunder Press, she decided to donate her earnings from the assignment to the Special Olympic athletes and enlist other friends, family and colleagues to support them as well.

'A press release announcing our participation had just gone out and within minutes, I got a call from one of my original and dearest clients in powerboat racing, Gary Montano. Gary told me about his affinity for Special Olympics and pledged to sponsor my $2,500 enrollment fee!' said DeMartini, 'He said, 'You tell them that Montano Motorsport will be behind you and Special Olympics and if there is anything else we can do, you let me know!' I was astounded and so grateful! Our conversation brought back great memories of the glory days we shared when I represented Montano Motorsports' Drambuie On Ice race boat!'

On Montano's heels were fellow biker, former South Florida Congressman and FOX News correspondent, Allen West (who will also join for the first leg of the run) and former clients, Skip Braver of Cigarette Racing Team and Kathy Latham of Latham Marine pledging significant support. Latham Marine has been active in the cause, donating two factory tours of its facility that raised $6,000 in bids at a recent auction event, hosted by the Larry Wilson Collection in West Palm Beach.

'The motorcycle and Powerboating communities are closely aligned,' says DeMartini, 'They both run at full throttle and are very generous in helping others--especially disabled young people. Many powerboat racers are motorcycle enthusiasts as well. Our business has relied on both sports and I will never forget how the Drambuie On Ice Skater, raced by Johnny Tomlinson and Forest Barber, brought me into powerboat racing, changing my life and career. Gary Montano provided me with very fulfilling years as his PR representative in APBA racing and he is still one of the most giving and respected men in powerboating--he is like a big teddy bear--ask anyone who knows him!' she adds.

DeSantis, who will travel from Massachusetts to Florida for the ride, echoes her sentiments about their power circle, giving to others in need. 'The racing community has always stuck together and donated our winnings to charity. We do what we do for the love of friends and family. Once you see the look on these kids' faces when they see the bikes and cars--you couldn't keep me away from this ride!' he states.

To support The Dream Ride and Team PR Power, visit the Team Link on the DreamRide.org website Donate Page or contact DeMartini at md@prpower.biz or at 954-564-7234.