Wishes Come True At The Shootout

Shootout boats hit speeds most people can only dream about. For kids with life-threatening illnesses, that dream can come true.

Five years ago, Ron Duggan asked Tiffany Maasen to organize an event benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation. She did so and has continued to, every year since, with “Wishing On A Ride.” During the Shootout, drivers bring boats so that kids facing life-threatening illnesses and life-long disabilities can enjoy the sun, wind, water, and camaraderie. In fact, one family—the Edwards—said the greatest blessing from their participation last year has been the lasting relationships forged at Lake of the Ozarks.

Boat owners, drivers, and community volunteers are committed to this special day. Justin Wagner, owner of Waves ’N Wheels, and perhaps best known for the Iron Man boat, says that he’d load a boat on a trailer and haul it across country if a child wanted a ride. He believes he’s privileged to take part in such a meaningful day, and like all others involved, Wagner says the day is all about the children.

Greg Semmel and Bill Bachman, two more boat owners, agree. Semmel’s houseboat is a floating concession stand, serving hot dogs and popcorn free to all. He has also designed and ordered t-shirts so that kids have a souvenir to take home with them, something that will help them remember a fine day among people who care enough to spare no expense.

Bill Bachman, driving Indefensible, a 42-foot Cigarette Tiger, remembers when helping kids became a life-long joy. While in high school, Bachman volunteered for the Easter Seals campaign two consecutive years and learned firsthand how worthwhile it is to help someone smile. Now, according to Maasen, Bachman is one of those drivers on hand from first light to last.

Maasen says 150 boat rides were given in 2014. One was the work of Wake Effects. A young man who doesn’t live near the water experienced the thrill of tubing, thanks to that business. That ride may be one of the boy’s last opportunities to see the water; on that day in 2014, he knew he was tragically losing his sight, but he was able to feel the thrill of the water and speed. He’ll have a wonderful memory even when his vision is completely gone.

Wishing On A Ride does not limit its gifts to children suffering from a terminal illness. Children with disabilities, facing life-changing conditions such as the loss of sight, as well as those fighting for their lives may apply.

Gramm Edwards was one of those fighting for his life. Diagnosed with leukemia, he had undergone two chemotherapy treatments monthly through most of 2014. Each treatment required breaking apart the family. Gramm and his mother traveled to St. Louis for treatment while the rest of the family stayed home, one and a half hours away. With a change in Gramm’s treatment schedule, the family was free to think about doing something together, so Donielle Edwards, Gramm’s mother, asked to be part of Wishing On A Ride. Tan-Tar-A donated a room for the whole family; Sleep Inn has helped other “wishing” families in this way. KLOZ radio at 92.7 donated gift cards for meals, helping to make a once-in-a-lifetime memory for Gramm and his family.

Gramm wanted a ride on the Iron Man boat. He got more than that. Justin Wagner invited Gramm aboard to help him tweak Iron Man’s tech (changing spark plugs), too. Later, Wagner built a miniature Iron Man boat and sent it to Gramm. Wagner and Maasen continue to stay in touch with the Edwards, who hope to return to Lake of the Ozarks this year, say thank you in person, and let everyone know how Gramm is faring. He’s now receiving maintenance doses of chemotherapy monthly, but such treatments compromise Gramm’s immunity to simple illnesses so his presence at the 2015 race is uncertain.

Maasen is amazed and humbled by those who make this event happen. Men and women donate not only their time and dollars to insure that kids get rides on awesome boats, they also donate items for auctions. Other businesses bring manpower. First National Bank, a new sponsor in 2014, will return in 2015 because it is an opportunity to see firsthand the effects that community service has on families. K.C. Cloke, the bank’s Marketing Director, says that all bank volunteers from 2014 want to return; the day was that moving and meaningful.

Funds raised through this event go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, but the most immediate gift is the gift of a smile on the faces of children. The adults admit that the only reward they ask for their efforts is that smile.