(Grand Rapids, Mich) – Last year was a difficult one for Roger DeVries, a veteran who served in Korea during the Vietnam-era and the father of four, whose three sons were all deployed to Iraq at the same time. His dreams of spending the summer boating and fishing with his children and grandchildren at their family cottage on Woodbeck Lake in Greenville temporarily put on hold.

To pass the time, Roger began working on a 1974 Sea Ray 190 that he had purchased a few years prior – with hopes of having it in tip top shape by this summer – when all his boys will be home on leave after serving their country. With the state of the economy, however, finding the time and money to fix up his dream boat wasn’t easy. That project was also put on hold…until organizers of the Grand Rapids Boat Show teamed up with WLAV and Action Water Sports for an “Extreme Boat Make-Over” contest.

Back in November, WLAV put out a request to its listeners in search of a Veteran or a special-needs individual who would benefit from a boat make-over. The response was overwhelming, with more than 40 heartfelt letters being sent in. Two letters were submitted in support of Roger DeVries.

“I sent in the letter to WLAV because I wanted to give back to my father-in-law who has done so much for me and my family,” said daughter-in-law Lisa, who is married to Roger’s son Nick. “I immediately thought that Roger would be a perfect candidate, because he owns a working boat and would love to see it made over so he can take his boys out fishing this summer. Roger has done so much for so many other people; this is the perfect way to re-pay him. He has such a huge heart and is always giving his time away working on cars and other projects for his family and friends.”

“The intent of this promotion is to get one more family on the water,” says Kevin Zoodsma from Action Water Sports. “We wanted to help out someone who loves to boat and loves the water, but for some reason could not keep up with the maintenance. When we read of Roger, we knew immediately this was the family we wanted to help.”

Once the family was selected, Zoodsma began the diligent task of coordinating the restoration efforts, reaching out to dozens of his colleagues in the boating industry, who collectively donated more than $28,000 of time and materials to the project. For the past few months, dedicated crews from Action Water Sports and dozens of other West Michigan companies worked day in and day out to restore 35 year old boat.

“The men in this family are all veterans and Roger couldn't be more deserving,” said Sarah Anderson, sister-in-law to Lisa DeVries and wife to Michael, who is part of the U.S. Army Infantry with the three other men. “He wouldn't even think something like this would happen to someone like him, but he is too humble and giving to imagine this.”

The identity of the family was kept under wraps until the unveiling on the opening day of the Boat Show – Wednesday, February 17 – at 7pm, in the Action Water Sports display area in the north end of the main exhibit hall. It was there that

Tony Gates from WLAV / WJRW revealed the incredible make-over.

“Being able to reach out and help a veteran and his family means a lot to us,” says Gates. “These brave individuals – like Roger’s sons – put their lives on the line for us every day fighting for our country. Giving back to them, in the form of this boat make-over, is our way of thanking them and recognizing the contributions and sacrifices they’re making.”

“The level of commitment from all these businesses has been overwhelming,” Zoodsma says. “Everyone stepped up and put their whole heart into restoring this boat for the family and we can’t wait to see their faces when we unveil it on Wednesday night.”

In addition to Action Water Sports, businesses involved in the Extreme Boat Make Over” include:

·         Nautical Needle – vinyl, upholstery & cover

·         Deleeuw Lumber – panels and motorbox fabrication

·         Meade Distributing - Provided Vinyl Products

·         Compass Design – Graphics

·         TriVantage

·         Total Plastics Inc.

·         Land N Sea – Distributor (organized all part donations below)

o        SeaChoice – boat hardware, misc parts

o        Sierra/Teleflex – engine components & controls

o        Fusion – audio components

o        Ronix – watersports equipment

o        Radar – watersports equipment

o        Taylor – bimini & cocking equipment

o        Minn Kota – battery charger

o        Humminbird – fish finder

o        Hawkeye – depth finder

o        Garelick – outboard lift/ladder

o        Johnson Pump – Bilge/Aerator pump

o        Blue Sea Systems – Switch Panel

o        Interstate Batteries of Grand Rapids – Batteries

o        Turning Point - Prop

o        Wise – Back-to-back seating

o        Towers Unlimited – Deck Rail     

o        Beckson

·         Phoenix Trailer – donated & built the trailer

·         Alro Steel – donated the steel for the trailer

·         Cequent/Fulton Products – donated the trailer winch & jack

·         Unique Functional Products – donated the trailer axles & brakes

·         Greenball Tire & Wheel – donated the trailer tires and wheels