With no indication as to whether its boat-builders are going for an outright prediction, are undergoing a premonition, or simply employing a little reverse-psychology, cardboard architects from the ranks at Whirlpool’s Riverview Campus count “Sinking Ship” among their multiple entries being prepped today for next Thursday’s 2nd Annual “Rock the Boat” races in the local harbor to benefit the United Way of Southwest Michigan.
The appliance giant’s internal United Way campaign this year is drawing a boost from both the fundraising and the “fun-raising” of Thursday evening’s events alongside The Inn at Harbor Shores when five times as many cardboard contraptions will attempt to claim the coveted admiral’s cup for speed, accuracy and design of the ultimate cardboard boat racers.
In fact, several dozen workers from at least seven Whirlpool employee teams were busy assembling their crafts at Fisherman’s Park along the banks of the St. Joseph River behind the Riverview Campus in downtown Benton Harbor this morning. No word on whether “Sinking Ship’s” captain or oarsmen will be dressed like rats to play off of the old phrase “like rats on a sinking ship,” or not. At any rate, there will be considerably stepped up competition from last year’s inaugural event when just six cardboard watercraft took to the waves in the harbor. Twenty nine entries had been registered just prior to this year’s deadline, but there may have been a 30th craft that beat the cut-off, which would be a five-fold increase over that first year racing line.
Other cardboard sailors and paddle people were busy assembling “Outrigged,” the “Laundry Lighthouse,” and the “S.S. Cash Flow,” which was whitewashed and festooned with oversized c-notes with the counterfeited face of a Whirlpool financial services leader who shall remain nameless until race day. Other more cryptic code names for Whirlpool watercraft included the likes of “GSS GSD,” and “GSS ZIM.”
United Ways Sharon Polfus and Ryan Cheevers were on hand today to help keep the boat builders focused and aware of the rules and regulations of what’s allowed in, on, or otherwise a part of each boat. They were both ecstatic over the huge increase from 6 boats a year ago to perhaps 30 in next week’s race.
They’re also both still very coy about their own United Way boat which is reportedly largely completed but held tightly under wraps in an undisclosed wharf somewhere beyond the public eye. They are, however, predicting another victory for Best Boat honors in next week’s competition and will only tease their entry as one that will “likely hit it out of the park.” Knowing Mr. Cheevers’ undying love for the Chicago Cubs and their miraculous year, I’m going out on a limb to predict the Cubs will play a major league role in the United Way boat this year. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Cheevers and others using baseball bats for oars inside a replica of the Friendly Confines of Wrigely Field. Stay tuned.
As I shared with you in an earlier story here on Moody on the Market.com, Liz Door is Whirlpool’s United Way Campaign Chair this year and she’s pumped up, telling us, “Whirlpool Corporation is excited to host the second annual cardboard boat races to raise funds for United Way of Southwest Michigan.” She adds, “We’re looking forward to watching the event grow this year – with more boats, more volunteers, and even more fun for the whole family.”
We’ve already got the more boats, more volunteers and the like, now the public can play a huge role by turning out harborside to watch the shenanigans of racers in the evening next week with other entries from the likes of AEP Cook Nuclear Power Plant, North Pier Brewing & The Livery going head to head, and others from throughout the community.
All of the life-size boats are made of cardboard, duct tape and polyurethane, and powered entirely by human paddle power. The duct tape, paint, cardboard and other materials were flying at Whirlpool today.
United Way President Anna Murphy reminds competitors that, “This race isn’t just about speed. We have a panel of judges lined up to vote on Most Creative Boat and Best Themed Boat, so you never know what you’re going to see.” She also notes, “We are excited to be partnering with Whirlpool again, and we hope for another great turnout this summer.”
The crew at AEP, Cook Nuclear built the fastest boat – replicating a nuclear submarine – last year, while the United Way team took home the prizes for both Most Creative and Best Themed boat with their representation of the S.S. Titanic. The event is not only open to the public, they are strongly encouraged to stand along the inner harbor and cheer on their favorite crews, plus there will be food, craft beer, and t-shirts available for sale.
The 2nd Annual Cardboard Boat Races will take place on Thursday, July 20th at The Inn at Harbor Shores located at 800 Whitwam Drive in St. Joseph with boat builders check-in taking place from 4pm to 5:15pm, followed by a Safety Briefing from 5:15pm to 5:45pm, and the races begin at 6pm.
Make plans to join the rollicking good fun alongside the inner harbor at the Inn at Harbor Shores. Hope to see you there.
