Last Saturday marked a daylong joyride for more than 200 boaters who participated in the annual “Haulin’ Ass on the Pamlico” fun run, but also a showing of generosity that benefited two local women fighting a terrible disease.

All told, the event raised approximately $12,000, which will be divided equally between Donna Hardison, of Martin County, and Linda Abbot, of Beaufort County. Both women are battling breast cancer, and the proceeds will be used to help cover their medical costs.

Against the backdrop of raising money to support these two women, 42 boats set out from Iconic Marine last Saturday, making a tour of Beaufort County’s waterways, from the Washington waterfront to Bath, then Belhaven and finally Blounts Creek.

“We had a blast,” said event organizer Chris Bowers, who hosted a party the night before at his business. “We lost quite a few boats because of the postponing, but with it being rescheduled and everything, it turned out really good.”

Bowers expressed his thanks to the many sponsors and volunteers who helped make the event a success.

“If it won’t for them, we wouldn’t be able to do it,” Bowers said.