SARASOTA – Powerboats and jets skis met at Marina Jack for the annual Grand Prix Fun Run. A race supporting Suncoast Charities for Children.
“This is the second event in the festival, the Sarasota Grand Prix Festival, and it’s a poker run where boats go out to different stops around the Bay area and they play poker” said Associate Executive Director of Suncoast Charities for Children Sarah Catell.
There are a total of three stops in the bay with the first and final stop being at Marina Jack. The first boat that gets all five cards is eligible to win some prizes but ultimately helps raise money for charity.
“It’s for the children,” said Gretchen Speranza. “Yea, it’s an excellent event for the children and for the charity,” added Noel Speranza. “So to be a part of it we are honored to be a part of it.”
The Speranza’s have been sponsors of the powerboat grand prix for nearly two decades. They say it’s all about having fun but all for a good cause.
“It’s number one importance so we’re here to support our community, these children, and everything else in our community. It’s something that everybody should do,” said Noel.
Ryan Beckley is one of the powerboat racers that will compete in next Sunday’s Grand Prix Offshore race. He brought out his two sons for a day of fun and relaxation ahead of the big race.
“Every part of it is a big part of the event, and Lucy and the staff at Suncoast Charities put on such a great event with so many different parts of it this week and we try to support all of them that we can,” said Beckley.
The grand race is on Sunday July 7th starting at 10:00 a.m. at Lido Beach. For a list of all events coming up this week go to sarasotapowerboatgrandprix.org
