The Triton, the first company to start a named annual scholarship for the new marine training program at Broward College in Fort Lauderdale, recently hosted its second annual poker run raising $1,780 for scholarships for the program. About 100 participants played 365 hands of poker at six Fort Lauderdale marinas and marine-related retailers to raise these funds. The Triton is a marine industry trade publication offering nautical news for captains and crews. The Triton’s annual scholarship is designed to help students pay for the two-year program in marine technology, electronics and electricity, diesel engines, A/C and refrigeration, fuel systems and more. Students also receive basic training in writing, customer service, speech, algebra and management. Part of the program includes an internship. Students completing the two-year associate’s of arts program can continue in the management track for a four-year bachelor’s degree.
Triton Publisher David Reed felt strongly that he wanted to give back to the community where he has built his business. More than 70 percent of Florida’s 220,000 marine jobs are in South Florida, and yachting-related businesses in Fort Lauderdale are in need of young people to train into professional-level trade jobs.
“I would have gone through this program 15 years ago if it had been offered,” said Reed, who earned the first of his degrees at Broward College in the 1990s. “I hope other marine businesses in South Florida either contribute to our fund or start one of their own. It’s a really worthy program.”
The full program costs about $6,000. Reed said he hopes The Triton can raise at least $3,000 a year, which is matched by the state.
“We’re very impressed by the commitment of The Triton,” said Nancy R. Botero, executive director of the Broward College Foundation. “Clearly Mr. Reed sees the value in supporting the up-and-coming generation of marine industry leaders. We thank him for his efforts and look forward to an ongoing partnership in future years.”
This year, participating marinas and marine companies at the poker run were Bradford Marine, Hall of Fame Marina, National Marine Suppliers, Northrop & Johnson and Global Yacht Fuel. Gift items were donated by Bluewater Books and Charts, Palladium Technologies, Lauderdale Diver, Maritime Professional Training, Crown Liquors, Marine Industries Association of South Florida, The Expresso Shop, and HTH Worldwide. The poker run also featured a trade show at Bimini Boatyard in Fort Lauderdale.
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