Nearly $40,000 was raised through the inaugural Dam Boat Run on Lake Murray as it kicked off from the intake towers at the Dreher Shoals Dam on Saturday, June 24. With what organizers hope to be a yearly event more than 65 boats from across the country participated in the two-day affair.
Organizers Bret Laso, with the help of John Boozer from No Limits Photography, are confident this event will continue each year. Boozer thought the event was waning and decided to poll the Lake Murray Powerboat group on Facebook about having a fun run. “It was very very well received this time,” said Boozer. “Bret Laso reached out and volunteered to head it up.” Both Laso and his wife, Allison, are strong enthusiasts of boat clubs and boat communities across the nation and have resources in those communities. “Allison handled all the intricate details,” said Bret. “while I used my contacts through years of boat runs in other states and invited them to this event.” A couple from upper Michigan traveled the furthest to be part of this year’s festivities. “A good 20 or more boaters were local,” said Laso. “We’re already planning next year’s event.”
On Friday, a raft-up was held at Sandy Beach with lunch served by Ken Jones of AquaFun. Saturday began with breakfast being served at 8 am at Lake Murray Marina and boats were staged at 9:45 with a helicopter flyover for photos by John Boozer and Benny Brawley of No Limits Photography. The run lasted from 10 am – 2 pm with a banquet held at Liberty on the Lake. A post-banquet dock party followed the event.
Proceeds and donations from the event were directed towards the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, Department of Natural Resources and The Big Red Barn Retreat.
Bret Laso owns Carolina Home Improvements and is here in Columbia.
No Limits Photography is based out of Prosperity, SC and can be reached at 803-465-4999. They film anything from portraits to events including aerial, marketing/commercial, real estate and action photography. Hours are by appointment only and their email is jboozer@nolimitsphoto.com.
Aerial photography was provided by Boozer’s photography company No Limits Photography.
