When a special-edition Highfield Boats pink RIB went up for auction to combat cancer, the company felt confident it would succeed. Little could the executives know, however, that the winner would match the value.
Highfield opened the auction as a fundraiser for the National Breast Cancer Foundation in February. It partnered with Tohatsu America Corporation, which donated the 40-hp outboard. Altogether, the package value was just shy of $28,000. To raise awareness, Highfield displayed the RIB at the Miami boat show. One of its dealers, Nautical Ventures, exhibited the craft at the Palm Beach show, too. At the time, Christophe Lavigne, Highfield Boats USA president, noted that cancer, especially breast cancer, “has impacted so many of our lives and the lives of our loved ones.”
The Highfield Boats pink RIB winner was announced at the Palm Beach show. The lucky bidder (pictured) was more than impressed with the goal of the fundraiser. In fact, according to Michael Carroll, the director of marketing and business development, she surprised the team with her reaction. He says, “When I explained…that the money was going to offering free mammograms for women who cannot afford one, she decided to up the donation to $50,000!” Carroll adds, “That will pay for hundreds of mammograms, which not only are likely to catch someone’s cancer earlier, but also will probably save lives.”
The Highfield Boats pink RIB is a one-off version of the Highfield Sport 360 RIB. Measuring 11’11’ (3.6 meters), it fits easily on deck. It further fits into compact garages. Even with its small size, the RIB seats six. For practical needs, meanwhile, the bow cushion conceals a stowage locker, and grab holds are all around the tubes. It’s popular particularly among families seeking a craft that stows easily on an aft deck or swim platform.
Highfield Boats highfieldboats.com
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