From the Helm
December 15, 2023
by Nick Camino
Happy Holidays and welcome to the December 2023 edition of the Beacon. The Foundation is buzzing with activity as we are working hard to reach our 2023 Annual Appeal goal of $300,000. We're getting close, with contributions from more than 100 donors so far!
This edition of the Beacon features a summary of the fabulous A Night to Inspire event we held with Olympians Stephanie Roble and Maggie Shea along with CYC’s own “Young Guns“ sailors. The event was a resounding success and helped lift off the Annual Appeal in style. We also share a heartfelt tribute and farewell from CYC Foundation President Greg Miarecki to a cherished friend, Peter Barrett.
I am often asked what the Foundation is planning with the funds. We have big plans for 2024! With your help, we aim to:
1. Double the number of community sailing camps offered through the Chicago Yacht Club Sailing School.
2. Double the number of after school educational programs offered to Chicagoland youth.
3. Triple the number of youth involved in the Foundation’s swimming education programs.
4. Start at least two new high school sailing teams from schools in underserved communities.
5. Work with the Club to bring sailing education to Monroe Harbor, so that we may better serve youth living on the south and west sides of Chicago.
6. Increase the total number of youth served by 50 percent.
Our growth over the last two years has been phenomenal and with your help we can continue this trajectory in 2024. Please join the hundreds of Foundation supporters if you haven't already.
As you are planning your 2023 giving please keep in mind a consortium of donors has already committed $125,000 to match donations received during the fourth quarter. Every dollar you contribute will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $125,000.
Also, all 2024 donors making gifts of $1,000 or more in 2023 will be invited to our Annual Donor Appreciation and Scholarship Dinner in May and have their names inscribed on our annual donor recognition board at Monroe Station.
I hope you are all getting into the holiday spirit and enjoying some time with family and friends. If you need some inspiration, our 2023 Impact Report contains some heartwarming stories about the programs and kids we serve. I encourage you to review the online edition or visit the Foundation website to learn more about where we've been, and where we're going.