Donor Spotlight: Chuck and Rita Anderson
February 27, 2025
Picture the Commodore as an eight-year-old. While his father and mother were on their vintage 36’ wooden Chris Craft, he was out in the dinghy exploring the Kankakee and DesPlaines Rivers. He has never abandoned his enjoyment of boating adventures.
After marrying his high school sweetheart (a long story in itself), the couple consistently traveled to the water for family vacations with their two sons. They bought their first boat. They named it Son’s Too (another long story).
They brag that because of boating, they have had the privilege of getting to know and enjoy the water and outdoor activities with the boys’ friends from preschool through college and later, marriage. For 17 years, the family spent weekends and vacations in Michigan City and nearby harbors. The boys and their friends enjoyed swimming in the shallow Lake Michigan water, tubing, water skiing, and sand surfing and skiing. The family also enjoyed being members of the Michigan City Yacht Club, later joining the Chicago Yacht Club. The Andersons wish for other children and families to experience the joy and health benefits of on-the-water activities. This is where the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation enters the picture.
“The joy of being involved in water activities and making friends along the way is what we wish for the youth of Chicago and why we actively support the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation,” say Chuck and Rita. “We have been involved in, and seen the support, fun, and learning the Foundation has provided, for children, teens, Sea Scouts, adults, and people with disabilities.
“Sharing our love of boating for the benefit of others has been a blessing we have been able to share with children and families affected by cancer. The Bear Necessities Organization occasionally has clients who wish for a ‘Bear Hug’ to take a boat ride. One child brought all seven of his best friends and some of their parents to what became a wonderful all-day event aboard Son’s Too VII. Again, this was doable through the support of the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation.
“Boating has led us to many water-related opportunities for adventure. Such as boating with the whole family in the Bahamas, boating to areas of the North Channel (four times), ‘doing the Mac’ by power boat, being the turn boat for the Lake Michigan Off-shore Grand Prix for 15 years, and of course, the CYC Power Fleet community outreach cruises.
“We would like to see the Foundation continue and expand its mission well into the future. The Foundation, in partnership with the Chicago Yacht Club, has the potential to create a renowned boating and recreation center as it continues to teach more children and adults to swim, enjoy the lake, and participate in boating activities.”