MERCED, Calif. — Malibu Boats will give away a 2006 vRide tow boat at the American Cancer Society Relay for Life event on April 29 in Merced, Cailf., to aid in the fight against cancer. The announcement was made in a press release from the company.

According to the release, Malibu's involvement with the charity began when employees Becky Sewell and Kathy Anderson were diagnosed with cancer. For both Swell and Anderson, the disease was terminal.

Since 2003, Malibu employees have donated a total of $60,500 for the American Cancer Society — $28,000 of this total was raised last year alone. Malibu's "Relay for Life" team members are striving to double that total this year with the addition of the Malibu Boats 2006 vRide Sweepstakes.

"Almost everybody we know has some loved one who is either dealing with cancer, or has been lost to cancer," said Heidi Verna, Team Malibu Relay for Life Event director and human resources manager for Malibu Boats. "It hits home for so many people and it is our love for family we have lost, and those still fighting, that keeps us raising money."

The 2006 Malibu vRide will go to the winning ticket holder complete with an Extreme tandem axel trailer, a Titan Series III tower, a 320-hp LCR engine from Indmar, a thumping Sony/Kicker Stereo System, a new Power Wedge and 900 pounds of Malibu Launch System ballast.

The donated boat is a one-of-a-kind model with customized Malibu Breast Cancer Awareness vinyl graphics with Ebony and Pink Ribbon gelcoat. Pink Ribbon was adopted as one of Malibu's 21 custom colors, for the '06 model-year, in memory of the beloved Malibu family members who have been lost to cancer and as a tribute to those who continue to battle the disease.