From the Helm

February 15, 2024

by Greg Miarecki

Dear Friends,
Welcome to the February issue of the Beacon. Usually, there’s not a lot to talk about when it comes to boating in Chicago. But we have a LOT to talk about. Thanks to your extraordinary generosity in our 2023 Annual Appeal, we are working to expand our programs to serve more youth in Chicago. One of the areas we’ll really be focusing on in 2024 is swimming education. I know you will enjoy our feature this month about our swimming education partnership with SOS Children’s Villages Illinois.

Our Donor Spotlight this month features our friends Jim and Kate Murray. Jim is a lifelong sailor, and I know you will enjoy reading about Jim and Kate’s commitment to the sport of sailing and getting more Chicagoland kids involved in boating.

For those of you in Florida for the winter, please consider attending our second annual Foundation in Florida event on Saturday, March 2nd. I’ll be making a home cooked meal and serving plenty of wine. The event is free to all Foundation donors. Visit the “On Deck” section of the Beacon to register your RSVP.

Finally, please join me in welcoming our three new Foundation Board members: Bob Bied, Lindsey Duda, and Peter Thornton. Bob, Lindsey, and Peter have been great friends to the Foundation over the years, and we are grateful to have their expertise and insights this year!

Keep an eye on the Beacon (it blinks monthly!) and our social media feeds. We’re excited to share more about how we’re doing big things–together!