The Chicago Regatta and the CYC Foundation
August 17, 2023
by Diane Foote
The Chicago Regatta is coming up on September 9, and the CYC Foundation is once again one of the three featured charities to benefit from this exciting event. The Regatta has a significant positive impact on the Foundation’s ability to deliver robust programming, contributing approximately $80,000 annually. Plus, it’s meaningful for the racers who participate: In lieu of registration fees, racers are asked to contribute at least $500 (the whole crew can go in together to raise this amount) and have the option to select one of the three charities as the funds’ recipient, or split the contribution equally among them. Tom and Mary Falck, longtime racers in the Regatta, say “We support the Foundation because we have personally watched the kids from SOS Villages grow in confidence through their interaction with CYC staff and the on-the-water activities of the sailing camp. We firmly believe that many of these positive experiences will remain with the kids throughout their lives. That’s reason enough for us.”
The Foundation has opted to use the funds raised via the Chicago Regatta to support our series of on-the-water sailing camps, which grew from one CYC-run camp plus sponsorship of Jackson Park Yacht Club’s Open Horizons program in 2022 to five camps plus the sponsorship in 2023. Foundation supporters will have the opportunity to hear from participant kids at the upcoming Meet the Kids night in October; in the meantime, Maggie Gallagher, CYC Junior Member and sailing camp participant, says, “I think it’s really cool that the Club and the Foundation are trying to get new kids involved and introduced to sailing. I hope we have the chance to sail with them more!”
CYC Foundation supporters can participate in the Chicago Regatta in numerous ways:
First, plan to attend the Foundation's Chicago Regatta Dessert Reception on Thursday, August 24, from 7:30-9:00 p.m. at Monroe Station. Dessert and prosecco will be served, and we'll present an update about current Foundation programs, focused on those supported by funding we receive from the Chicago Regatta, at 8:15. The event is free to attend, with registration required by August 22 via the CYC calendar.
Next, make plans for the event itself, if you haven't already:
Compete in the sail race (distance, buoy, and DragonForce RC)
Showcase your power or sail boat in the Light-Up-Your-Boat show
Attend the My-Kind-of-Town party (buy raffle tickets; try your luck in the wine pull)
Donate in the name of one of the leaderboard teams, and select which charity to direct your contributions. We encourage you to choose the CYC Foundation!
Complete details are available on the Chicago Regatta website. The regatta lasts a day, but your impact endures. Make plans now to join the fun and maximize our community’s contribution.