We are excited to announce that TACO-sponsored nonprofit Wounded Waters was the recipient of the United Marine Manufacturer’s Association annual Casino Night fundraiser during its 2022 Partnership Conference.
Wounded Waters, which works to provide on-the-water fishing and boating adventures for veterans, active-duty military, first responders and their families, received a $2,000 donation from the UMMA – $770 of which was raised during Casino Night.
Wounded Water founder Kevin Klepac.
TACO OEM Sales Manager Captain Mark Henderson introduced Wounded Waters during the conference’s Casino Night dinner and explained why the program is important to the company and industry.
Watch Henderson’s speech in the video below.
Kim Liddycoat, UMMA Co-Vice President, explained that this was the second Casino Night charity fundraiser in the association’s 26-year conference history – a new tradition that began in 2019 but went on a hiatus until 2022 because of the pandemic.
“We feel like this is our way to give back,” explained Liddycoat of the conference fundraiser. “Our industry can be very impactful when it comes to things like this.”
Liddycoat and her colleague Jodi Sanders, UMMA Co-Vice President, said Wounded Waters was selected as the Casino Night recipient because of its role in the marine industry, current events in the world and the importance of supporting the military.
“Mark did such a wonderful job in talking about how we’re in such a great industry and how we should feel so fortunate that we get to do what we do and support the ones who take care of us – the military,” said Sanders.
In addition to Casino Night, the UMMA also donates $100 to charity in lieu of awards for its Supplier of the Year and Builder of the Year recognitions. Each recipient selects the charity of their choice to receive the donation in their name from the association.
TACO began sponsoring Wounded Waters in 2019 with sport fishing equipment, accessories and ShadeFin. The nonprofit also receives half of all proceeds from TACO’s popular YouTube channel and half of all proceeds from the sale of the TACO Marine USA Performance Long-Sleeve Shirt. (Proceeds from YouTube and the shirts are split between Wounded Waters and the nonprofit Jenna’s Reel Warriors.)
To learn more about Wounded Waters, read the blog linked below or visit its website woundedwaters.org.
From all of us at TACO, thank you to the UMMA, our builder partners and fellow suppliers for your recognition of Wounded Waters and donation to its important cause.
