In our continued effort to promote donations to the Foundation we have started to apply for Grants. We have only just started this effort but I am glad to announce that we have received a very generous grant from the International Order of the Blue Gavel Humanitarian Foundation.
The Blue Gavel is an association of Yacht Club Past Commodores Worldwide. I have been a member for many years as have other CRYC Past Commodores. I had the pleasure of hosting P/C Lee J. Homyock, President of their Foundation at CRYC and had the opportunity to discuss many of the present and future plans of our Foundation. Many thanks to the IOBG Humanitarian Foundation for their generosity.
At this writing, which is March 10 th , we are approaching the Party with a Purpose, our major fund-raising event for the year. You might have noticed the fund raising thermometer at the entrance to the clubhouse with a goal of $100,000. I am pleased to announce that as of now we have already reached $78,975.00 and anticipate reaching our goal or exceeding it by the time of the Party with a Purpose. Proceeds of this year’s fund raising will be dedicated to funding the building of the Sailing Center, Continued Year Round Sailing Instruction and Scholarships, and Future Water Activities. Of course, by the time you read this article the Party with a Purpose will have already occurred, but keep in mind that your donations are always appreciated year round. There is still time to have your name included in the TEAM FOUNDATION DONATION PLAQUE that will be displayed at the entrance to the clubhouse.
We continue to work with the City of Ft Lauderdale and Lauderdale Yacht Club on the Community Sailing Program that will be hosted at CRYC. The program will be available to our members as well as other residents and scholarships will be available to those who qualify. As I indicated in last month’s log article we continue to have difficulty in getting coaches. We do have 2 level 1 coaches but still need one level 2 coach. If you know someone who would like to participate, it is a paying job and the Foundation will pay for the certification course.
We are hoping to expand the Water Sports activities and have had ongoing meetings with Spencer Taintor, President of St. Marks School and CRYC Member. For those of you who do not know where St. Marks is, they have a beautiful 10 acre waterfront location on Oakland Park Blvd. By combining our efforts we would both be able to offer a more comprehensive experience for both kids and adults. They might include Crew (rowing) which their location lends itself to, possibility of a full-time Waterfront Director, an expanded Sailing experience and a more comprehensive fleet of vessels for kids and adults.
As always, thank you for your support.
Bob Epstein, President
CRYC SAILING AND WATER SPORTS FOUNDATION
