Donor Spotlight | Peter & Marijane Thornton

It’s great to see how the program is bringing opportunity to the South Shore community where I grew up. We owe it to the next generation and that’s why I’m so committed to supporting the Foundation and its many programs.

- Peter Thornton

August 15, 2022

Peter Thornton was just a kid when he fell in love with Jackson Park, its lagoons and especially the harbor.  

“I can remember as a young boy, standing at the foot of the bridge on south Lake Shore Drive, fishing with my mom on many a Sunday morning.  My dream was to be able to own one of those boats someday,” he said.

And in time he did, owning many racing boats over the years including the Beneteau 456 Failsafe, the Great Lakes 70 Holua, the famous Volvo 70 Il Mostro, and most recently, the 104-foot ketch Whitehawk.  During his many years in the sport, Peter and his family have shared wonderful times together and won many prizes, including the Royono Trophy for first to finish in the Race to Mackinac multiple times. Longtime members of the Chicago Yacht Club, Peter and Marijane joined the Club in 1973.

Today, Peter and Marijane support the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation to help others – especially children – experience the many joys and benefits of being on the water as they and their family have.  

“All of our experiences have led me to reflect on those of us less fortunate who will never have these opportunities unless we do something about it,” Peter said. 

Peter and Marijane are especially excited about the Foundation’s partnership with the Jackson Park Yacht Club Foundation’s Open Horizons program. “It’s great to see how the program is bringing opportunity to the South Shore community where I grew up,” he said. “We owe it to the next generation and that’s why I’m so committed to supporting the Foundation and its many programs.”

“The Foundation can’t thank the Thorntons enough for their generous support,” said Greg Miarecki, President of the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation. “It’s an honor for those of us in the Foundation to make Peter and Marijane’s desire to share all that being on the water has meant to them a reality.” 

If you would like to join the Thorntons in donating to the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation, please click here.