JOURNEY FOR A CAUSE, INCLUSION IN BOATING ONE WEEK AWAY

May 26, 2021 | Parker

BEAUFORT, NC (May 26, 2021) – On June 1st, “Journey For A Cause” will start its 10-day boating trip to bring light to boating inclusion. Eddie Gill IV, a student-athlete at Grace College will share its message to local communities from the Ohio River in Indiana to the Gulf of Mexico in a Parker 2520 XLD boat.

“Journey for a Cause” was inspired by Gill’s dream to promote diversity within the boating and fishing communities after he realized many are not involved. Eddie wants to help the industry expand so many can enjoy being on the water.

“My grandpa taught me to fish when I was a little kid, but when people found out how much I loved being on the water, people made comments,’” Gill said, who comes from multiple ethnicities. “Those comments were typically shared by those who have never been fishing. I realized we need to focus on promoting diversity to those who don’t realize they are dissuading others from participating, and to communities where fishing may not be part of their family’s tradition.”

The crew will teach people throughout their journey the physical and mental health benefits of fishing, the basics of fishing and how to get involved with a life on the water.

Scott Bauer President of Parker Boats stated, “Parker Boats is proud to support such an important cause of inclusion. Author J. Nichols of Blue Mind writes about the health benefits of being in, near, under, on, and around the water and we believe that everyone should know and experience them. Eddie and his friends are going on a journey to share these benefits and encourage an atmosphere that is welcoming to all.”

Below are stops Journey For A Cause will be making.

6/1/2021 Golconda Marina Golcanda, IL

(Sendoff at 9:00 am with Local Kids Event and News)

6/2/2021 Kenlake Marine Hardin, KY

6/3/2021 Clifton Marina Clifton, TN

(Fishing with kids event at 4:00 pm)

6/4/2021 Pickwick Landing Counce, TN

(Fishing event with afternoon start)

6/5/2021 Midway Marina Fulton, MS

6/6/21 Columbus Marina Columbus, MS

6/7/2021 Kingfisher Bay Marina Demopolis, AL

6/8/2021 Bobby’s Fish Camp Silas, AL

6/9/2021 Fairhope Dock’s Marina Fairhope, AL

(Local press event at 1:00 pm)

6/10/2021 Juana’s Pagodas Navarre Beach, FL

(Conclusion of event finale and press at 1:00 pm)

To keep in touch with Eddie Gill and his “Journey for a Cause” follow @journey4acause, www.parkerboats.com/journeyforacause and www.journey4acause.com.

About Parker Boats: Parker Boats builds premium offshore and inshore fishing boats in Beaufort, NC. As a subsidiary of Correct Craft, Parker delivers a lifetime of enjoyment and rugged fish-ability focusing on strength, simplicity, and seaworthiness. To learn more about the Parker experience visit www.parkerboats.com.

About Correct Craft: Celebrating 96 years of excellence in the marine industry, Correct Craft is a Florida-based company with global operations. Focused on “Making Life Better,” the Correct Craft family includes Nautique, Centurion, Supreme, Bass Cat, Yar-Craft, SeaArk, Parker, and Bryant boat companies, Pleasurecraft Marine Engine Group, Watershed Innovation and Aktion Parks. For more information please visit www.correctcraft.com.

About Journey For A Cause: Journey for a Cause is an initiative to raise awareness in diverse communities of the opportunities and benefits experienced with fishing and boating. Inspired by Eddie Gill IV’s dream to promote diversity and inclusion within the boating, fishing and outdoor adventure community, the ten-day journey begins in Evansville, Ind. on June 1 and includes visits at nine marinas and waterside attractions, ending with a final stop at Navarre Beach, Fla. on June 10. During the voyage, Eddie and two longtime friends will promote the mental health and physical health benefits of fishing and boating, drive awareness of the accessibility and affordability of fishing and boating, and demonstrate that the fishing and boating community is welcoming to all, including those from minority and underserved communities.