CYC Foundation Hosts First "Meet the Kids Night" Introducing Youth Participants & Their Experiences to Members

December 15, 2023

The Chicago Yacht Club Foundation hosted the first annual “Meet the Kids Night” at Monroe Station on November 29. “Meet the Kids Night” offered CYC members and friends the opportunity to meet nearly 20 youths that participated in CYC Foundation initiatives this year. All attendees enjoyed one of Chef Larry’s outstanding buffets and settled into their seats to hear what our kids had been up to this year. CYC Foundation Board member Nick Camino emceed the event, and fellow CYC members Francesca Sigmond, Matt Gallagher, Ann Rundle, Cyd Archer, and Erin Mitchell moderated six different panels featuring our youth.

Francesca Sigmond moderated the first two groups featuring youth from the Jackson Park Yacht Club Open Horizons program and two young women who participated in the Foundation’s SOS Illinois Sailing Camp. A common theme emerged – the kids really enjoyed sailing, and especially enjoyed flipping the boats over. Who would have guessed?

Next up, Cyd Archer interviewed one of the participants from the Foundation’s signature “Lead HER Ship” program – a five-day cruise for ten young women on a tall ship in Lake Michigan. The group heard some great stories about standing night watch, teamwork, and the vagaries of marine toilets. The presentation then shifted to Matt Gallagher, who interviewed Peter Barnard and Kira and Maya Mahoney, who received Foundation support for their sailing programs. All three shared their successes to date and encouraged the younger kids in the audience to follow in their footsteps.

Ann Rundle then interviewed teens from Rickover Academy who told the crowd about their experiences sailing on the Rickover sailing team this fall. Eric Zirkle and Mark Singer shared their experiences participating in the Foundation’s new Maritime Academy and their resulting employment with the Club, driving the tender at Belmont.

Finally, Erin Mitchell interviewed Thomas Corter and Stella DiGangi, two Sea Scouts from the CYC Ship Privateer. Tom and Stella told attendees about all of the activities the Scouts did this year. At the end of their comments, CYC Vice Commodore Lisa Curcio Gaston presented Tom with the Foundation’s new “Sea Scout of the Year” award, including a $2,500 scholarship. Foundation President Greg Miarecki also presented Stella with a brag flag from the CYC Beer Can Series, which Miarecki’s boat, Providence, won this year. Stella skippered Providence in the event this year and is planning to be back in 2023.

We really enjoyed the event and want to thank everyone who attended.  Make plans to join us for “Meet the Kids Night 2023” next November.