Boat manufacturer debuts as Blue Carpet Sponsor of record-breaking Wish Night Gala, grants a life-changing boat wish, and leads an unforgettable on-water experience for guests
Stingray Boats is proud to partner with Make-A-Wish South Carolina, a relationship rooted in the belief that when families come together to do what they love, it has the power to inspire, heal, and create lasting joy.
The partnership made its public debut on March 14 at Wild Dunes Resort, where Stingray Boats served as Blue Carpet Sponsor of Wish Night 2026: A World of Pure Imagination. At the event, they helped grant the wish of 16-year-old Rutlee, a fishing enthusiast from Lake City, S.C. who received a camo 15-foot G3 Gator Tough Jon Boat in a surprise reveal that brought the entire gala ballroom to its feet.
"We were honored to be a part of this fantastic event and look forward to a lasting partnership with Make-A-Wish,” Chad Helms, President of Stingray Boats, said. “To come together as a community and with other S.C. organizations and be able to make a difference, there’s nothing better. We’re committed to sharing the joy of life on the water with kids and their families fighting critical illness.”
The partnership weekend unfolded across two days. On Saturday morning, Stingray brought two boats to Charleston and took Wish Kids, their families, and Wish Night guests out on the water. This experience reflected what Stingray does best: creating moments of joy and freedom out on the water for people of all ages and backgrounds. That evening, as Blue Carpet Sponsor, Stingray helped welcome hundreds of supporters to a historic night that raised $1,239,628. This record-breaking total will fund 165 wishes for children facing critical illnesses across South Carolina.
The night's most powerful moment belonged to Rutlee, who lives with a liver disorder. A lover of fishing and the outdoors, Rutlee's wish was simple—a boat of his own. After sharing his story onstage with the ballroom full of guests, he was escorted outside, where his wish was waiting. The Make-A-Wish team revealed a camo 15-foot Gator Tough Jon Boat, made possible by Stingray Boats in partnership with Marshall's Marine, G3 Boats, Yamaha Outboards, Berkeley Outdoors, EZ Loader Boat Trailers, and Isle of Palms Marina. Guests inside watched via live video feed as Rutlee saw the boat for the first time. When he walked back into the ballroom, the crowd rose and declared together, "Rutlee, your wish is granted."
More than 324 medically qualified children in South Carolina are currently waiting for their wishes to be granted, including 57 in the Lowcountry. Stingray Boats is committed to helping Make-A-Wish shrink that number.
"Wish Night is where generosity becomes hope, courage becomes visible, and imagination becomes healing," said Shannon Rice, Regional Development Director for Make-A-Wish South Carolina. "We are grateful to Stingray Boats for bringing their passion for the water and their incredible network of partners to this mission. Together, we gave Rutlee something he'll remember for a lifetime."
Stingray Boats and Make-A-Wish South Carolina look forward to growing this partnership in the years ahead.
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About Stingray Boats
Founded in 1979, Stingray Boats is a leading manufacturer of fiberglass recreational boats, recognized for innovation, craftsmanship, and performance. With a legacy built on technology like the patented Z-Plane hull, Stingray continues to set benchmarks in efficiency, speed, and style. The company remains committed to advancing marine design while supporting a strong dealer network worldwide. For more information, visit www.stingrayboats.com.
About Make-A-Wish South Carolina
Make-A-Wish South Carolina creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Since its founding in 1984, the chapter has granted more than 4,700 wishes, bringing joy, hope, and strength to families across the state. More information is available at wish.org/sc.
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Hannah Bain
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