Friday Friends…What a Ride!

GiGi’s Playhouse McHenry Friday Friends group went on an exciting and adventurous outing in July, thanks to the wonderful people involved with (NIOC) Northern IL Offshore Club.  We were invited to out for a boat ride, not just any boat ride…

A group of 15 Friday Friends, parents and volunteers set out to Winthrop Harbor for and adventure of a lifetime!  When we arrived at the Tropics Restaurant, where we were greeted with smiling faces and hugs!  It was a perfect day for a ride according to Brent Jablonski (NIOC Board Member), the sun was shining, Lake Michigan was relatively calm and we had five beautiful Cigarette boats lined up and waiting for us!!  Brent introduced us all the boat captains, who welcomed us with open arms.  It didn’t take long for everyone to climb into their assigned boats, no trepidation, no fear, just lots of smiles.  Everyone put a life-vest on and away we went.  We started out of the harbor slowly, but it didn’t take long for the captains to realize they could put it in gear, lots of hooting and hollering, “faster” and “Yahoo’s”!!  The ride lasted about an hour, but a memory was made for life!  Once we returned to the dock, we were all treated to a wonderful dinner seaside.  Everyone involved from beginning to end showed us an amazing amount of kindness and generosity, we are more than grateful for this opportunity!  Thank you to Brent for organizing this outstanding adventure and the NIOC for your support!