This past weekend, Danville, Illinois hosted the annual Thunder on the Vermilion boat race at the Gao Grotto, attracting boaters from across the Midwest and even participants from Long Island, New York.

The proceeds from this event support the organization’s two-week summer camp in partnership with AMBUCS, a group focused on assisting individuals with mobility and learning disabilities.

“The funds we raise support our summer camp, which has been running for 60 years,” said Buddy Freed, a longtime member of Gao Grotto. “We aim to provide a fun experience for these kids during their camp. It’s two weeks long, and we cover treats like ice cream or snow cones, whatever they wish. Our goal is to make them happy because they’re truly wonderful kids.”

The event also draws in locals from Vermilion County, who can enjoy food trucks, live music and beverages. Not to mention, they can enjoy watching boats race around Lake Vermilion at 85 miles-per-hour.