I was at the club in the Burgee Bar last Wednesday and was speaking with a long-time member. We started talking about the Foundation and she said that many of the new members and even some of the older members do not know much about the Foundation and its purpose. All of the Board members are always available to answer questions, but I would like to try to fill you in on a little history and some of the Foundation’s goals.
The 501 C (3) Charitable organization was formed in 2014 as the CRYC Sailing and Water Sports Foundation by founding members, PC John Keefe, PC Marver Glenn, PC Greg Bennett, PC Richard Scheff, PC Bob Epstein and PG Larry Bohannon, each of whom made donations to get it started. Since then, we have been very fortunate to have the support of many of our members, both new and old who have allowed us to move forward on our projects in keeping with our mission statement. I will ask the club to place some of our brochures at the front desk for those of you who are interested.
Our focus has been to expose kids that otherwise would not have the opportunity to participate in sailing and water sports activities as well as our own members kids. Early on we worked with another 501 C 3, Life Sports Fitness who ran the sailing program for us and qualified kids who had applied for scholarships. The Foundation provided the funding for the scholarships and maintained the sailing fleet and accessories. The Foundation also provides Kayaks, Paddleboards, etc at no cost just by making a reservation with the Dockmaster. We also donate to other charitable organizations such as Diveheart, Waterway Cleanup, that have similar missions like ours, and others on an ongoing basis.
This year we are very excited to partner with Lauderdale Yacht Club and the City of Ft. Lauderdale who is providing significant funding, including new boats that have been delivered. There are 4 two-week sessions. Details and reservations are available from our Activities Director, Donna.
We raise our funds from our annual Party with a Purpose, which is our major fund raising event, The Brick Society, which is now over 80 strong, many with multiple bricks, Grants and your generous contributions. This year we plan to have an additional outdoor event in the Fall called FOUNDATION DAY which will be fun, educational and Foundation oriented.
On our plate for this year is, of course, the Sailing Program, creating a sailing and water sports pavilion, which Is being headed up by Rich Barnhart and Kevin Cassell, examining the water quality of the Bay and the recent congestion problem and how that will impact our sailing in the future. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at any time. I am always available to talk about the Foundation.
BOB EPSTEIN, President
CORAL RIDGE YACHT CLUB SAILING AND WATER SPORTS FOUNDATION
