Taylor Scism, daughter of MTI founder Randy Scism, has been named Honorary Chair of next year’s Lake of the Ozarks Shootout live auction. In addition to serving as MTI’s client relations manager, Taylor entered the offshore racing scene this season, driving the company’s first canopied 390X powered by twin Mercury Racing 450R engines in the brand-new 450R Factory Stock class. Taylor has also participated in the Shootout for several years.

“We are thrilled to work with Taylor and believe she will help grow the event,” said Leah Martin, Executive Director for the Shootout. “The live auction is the largest fundraising event for the shootout and has a tremendous impact for the lake area charities and the communities they serve.”

Ron Duggan, President of the Shootout, added: “When considering who to chair the event for next year, Taylor was top of the list. I am excited that she accepted our invitation and look forward to an amazing year.”

Taylor herself told Speedboat: “I was honored that they even considered me, let alone chose me for this position. I’m very excited to work with all of the people involved—not just those on the board, but all of the volunteers as well.”

Taylor attended a special technical presentation last night by the LOTO Shootout organization, where $445,000 was given to local charities. She says she came away with a new appreciation of the work that goes on behind the scenes.

“I honestly didn’t realize the scale of it—they have more than 500 volunteers, and most of them are from the different charities that get impacted by the shootout auction and all of the work that goes on with that,” she said. “So I’m looking forward to becoming involved, not just with the Shootout, but being involved with the auction and the charity side of things. I’d like to be a part of getting more money coming in this year.”

One of the challenges with the charity events, Taylor said, is the planning aspect. “I don’t think people realize how far in advance everything has to be planned,” she said. “Things have to be put in motion early in order for everything to work out the way it does during Shootout week. I think my main focus will be on getting the word out about the auction, about the different charities, and ways that people can get involved. I’ll be working with the media and putting together videos. I just be as involved as I can to get the word out.”

The 2022 Lake of the Ozarks Shootout is scheduled for Aug. 27-28.

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