6th Annual Skyway Ski Show Donates to Eckerd Kids Foundation

On March 7, 2017, The Watercraft Superstore hosted their annual charity event, The Skyway Ski Show, at Whiskey Joe's restaurant in Tampa, Florida. The event previews new jet skis for the upcoming year. Jet ski manufacturers, like Yamaha, Sea-Doo, and Kawasaki, bring their newest models of PWCs for panelists to ride and evaluate. Each year, $5000 is donated to a charity of the company's choice. This year, The Eckerd Kids Foundation was selected to receive the donation.

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Eckerd Kids Foundation offers a wide variety of services to at-risk youth and families in the community. Through prevention interventions, community-based services, transitional services, and workforce development, Eckerd Kids works systematically to support families and has provided "second chances" to over 200,000 people. Eckerd Kids is located in Clearwater, Florida and is a favorite non-profit organization of the Pickren Family Companies. ​

Jesse Freeman, a 23 year old from West Palm Beach, was selected to sit on the Skyway Ski Show's judging panel. She is one of the many youth who have benefited from the services of Eckerd Kids.

​​E-Nini-Hassee, an outdoor therapeutic school for girls, is one of the many resources Eckerd Kids provides to the community. Adolescent girls who are experiencing emotional or behavioral difficulties receive counseling services in a positive, strength-based environment. Jesse Freeman, a graduate from the Eckerd Kids E-Nini-Hassee program, describes the positive impact Eckerd Kids has had on her life, “Without camp, things would have been bad. I would have been on more drugs, probably in a hospital and most likely end up in prison. Camp exposed me to things that are ethical instead of destructive and I was able to meet people who held true values. Without the support and family from the people at Eckerd Kids and Camp E-Nini-Hassee, I would not have the life I have today. I hope by now working at E-Nini-Hassee I can help give these young girls the tools I was given to create a more fulfilling life. “

Jesse Freeman, guest panelist, rides the newest Sea Doo Spark at the Skyway Ski Show.

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The Skyway Ski Show's judging panel carefully evaluates and scores the newest jet skis on the market.

David Dennis, President and CEO of Eckerd Kids, expressed gratitude at the event, "Thank you Greg Pickren and the Skyway Ski Show for your generous donation. With your kindness we are able to continue to help children and families all over the country.”