The 3rd floor of the AYC Sailing Center was brimming with such energy, excitement and enthusiasm from the 30 sailors and 11 organizations who were honored that the AYC Foundation Friends and Family was hotter than a ticket to the Paris Olympics! Many of the Foundation's donors showed their support and saw first-hand where their contributions are going and how the funds are being applied.
The evening kicked off with a video welcome from Terry Hutchinson, Skipper, President of Sailing Operations for American Magic, Challenger for the 37th America’s Cup.
Sarah Ramson who races out of the West River Sailing Club, followed and shared how she is balancing her other interests to make room for her new passion…sailing!
Sara Morgan Watters, who with fellow skipper Janel Zarkowskey Martin and team members Ashley Love, Katie Freeman, Katja Sertl, Allison Gutenkunst, Jenn Calhoun, and Madeline Baldridge, then took the stage. Her team competed in the Women’s 2v2 Team Race regatta hosted at Harbor Court in Newport, Rhode Island. She shared the personal sacrifices each team member had to make in order to prepare and practice for the highly-competitive regatta and thanked "the AYC Foundation for making this event possible, giving us something to train for, and making an impact on women’s sailing in the Bay." Sara followed up later by saying she "was blown away by all the sailors and organizations the AYC Foundation supports. I love the range of sailing levels and backgrounds."
Suzanne Johnson, Executive Director, Sail Beyond Cancer, shared how her organization harnesses the healing powers of wind, water, and sail to give cancer patients and their families three hours on the water. In effect, "helping patients and their loved ones leave cancer ashore."
Gwynie Dunlevy, who will be sailing in the US Women’s Match Race championships in Chicago in August, expressed her heartfelt thanks to the Foundation. “It was incredible hearing about all the sailors and organizations that you all support, and I’m so proud to be a part of this community now.”
“The AYC Foundation Friends and Family Event was possibly the most impactful event thus far for the Velocity Campaign," beamed Maggie Roesch who was in the audience. Maggie and Marty Roesch are the generous benefactors of the Velocity Campaign's $500K match. "It was quite emotional to hear from and meet the beneficiaries of the Foundation’s work and gifts. I am incredibly inspired by the work of the non-profits and the impact the Foundation has had on individual youth sailors. The event injected more excitement into the campaign by reminding us of the infinite number of ways the Foundation and Club will be able to affect our community and the Chesapeake region as it grows and meets its goals.”
Supporting the Foundation's Velocity Campaign enables the Foundation to have a greater reach in the community and a deeper impact. Already $325K has been raised toward its goal of $1M by December 1. Factoring in the Roesch family's generous match, the Velocity Campaign sails are reflecting $650K, or 65% full! Please consider a donation and become part of our growing family.
Comments