Quake on Lake's Reach Extends to Area Charities

Everyone who has ever attended the Quake on the Lake, the annual hydroplane boat races on Pontiac Lake in White Lake, knows that it is about fun, winning and weather. But there is also a charitable element of the Quake that has a tremendous impact on the lives of hundreds of children. 

Through the years, the Quake has given thousands of dollars to various charities during its time at Pontiac Lake. It is the largest fundraising effort for the Oakland County Community Club's Race For Charity. And in cooperation with officials from Oakland County, Waterford and White Lake Townships, as well as the American Power Boat Association, some proceeds from the 2011 event will directly benefit The Rainbow Connection. 

The Rainbow Connection is a nonprofit organization founded by Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson. The mission of the Rainbow Connection is to make the special wishes come true for Michigan children with life-threatening or terminal illnesses. 

The Rainbow Connection depends on financial and in-kind support to ensure the continued mission of granting wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. It provides these wishes to children throughout Metro Detroit.

Ways you can make a difference include sharing our mission with your community group or local school, Adopt A Dream Program, donating in-kind goods that its children wish for, or volunteering to be a part of the wish-granting process. 

Since Quake on the Lake first came to White Lake, it has helped to raise more than $100,000 for Rainbow Connection.

One child it has helped is White Lake resident Kyle, whose last name is not being used to protect his privacy. He is an 8-year-old soon-to-be third-grader who was diagnosed with lymphoma in December. Kyle's wish was to go to Disney World to meet Mickey Mouse, and his wish came true in May with the help of money raised last summer by Quake on the Lake. 

Kyle was also excited to go fishing while he was in Florida. He also enjoys playing hockey and soccer, and he likes the color purple. 

Mary Grace McCarter, executive director of The Rainbow Connection, feels fortunate that the group has been a financial beneficiary of Quake on the Lake for the past several years. The financial support has helped the nonprofit grant wishes for one or more children of various ages each year. 

Yet the biggest benefit to the Quake's support goes far beyond monetary figures, she said.

"I think the best part is that we get a lot of visibility with the thousands of people who attend the races each year," McCarter said. "It allows us to get our message out." 

That message includes the fact that 87 percent of all money raised by The Rainbow Connection, including through the support of Quake on the Lake, goes toward making wishes come true for children who suffer from a variety of illnesses and afflictions, McCarter said. 

In addition, one or more children supported by The Rainbow Connection, along with immediate family members, are given the VIP treatment at Quake races each year. 

"They have made so many dreams possible, and it really is a fun event," McCarter said. "It's a great partnership, and we are so thankful to (Patterson) for making that initial introduction many years ago." 

Organizers for Quake on the Lake contribute dollars to other civic organizations that raise funds at the event for such needs as group concession stands, selling programs and more.

For more information on The Rainbow Connection, visit therainbowconnection.org.