Chicago Yacht Club Foundation Celebrates 25th Anniversary by W.G. VARTAN, President, Chicago Yacht Club Foundation
he Chicago Yacht Club Foundation celebrates its 25th Anniversary this year. Founded in 1991 by President Richard Wharton, Secretary Joe Wright Jr., and Treasurer Kurt Stocker, the Foundation has enjoyed steady growth in the ensuing years and has helped enhance the reputation of Chicago Yacht Club as a proactive partner in community outreach. The mission statement for the foundation is: “The Chicago Yacht Club Foundation is 501(c)3 tax exempt organization that promotes an awareness and appreciation of the nautical arts and traditions to the Chicagoland community through education, outreach, and activities as well as through support of like-minded charitable organizations.” The Foundation is financially supported by members of the Chicago Yacht Club and other donors. Its many programs and projects are carried out by the Foundation’s dedicated trustees, officers, and additional volunteers. Past and ongoing work includes: • Serving low income youth primarily 18 years of age and younger with opportunities for sailing education and attendance at regattas through awarding of grants based on merit and/or need. • Providing young women with a leadership and confidence building opportunity to sail aboard a tall ship sailing vessel. They participate in all aspects of the ships operations and this year will have a Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) component as well. • Educating thousands of Chicago Public School children on maritime topics.
T
• Establishing and managing the Neil Advanced Sailing Clinic (NASC), which provides top notch collegiate coaching for advanced young sailors. This program has attained national recognition and an option for advanced sailing education in the Midwest. • Funding and supporting the Rickover Academy Junior Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Racing Team. The Academy is made up mostly of inner city kids and this program provides the necessities for a real learning and competition experience. Arranged for CYC members to donate over 500 books to start the nautical library at the Academy. • Supporting many maritime oriented civic organizations with likeminded goals, including: - US Coast Guard Foundation - Chicago Police Foundation for the Marine Police and Helicopter Unit - Chicago Christmas Tree Ship, a joint community and USCG program - The North American Challenge Cup for disabled sailors. This is a premier event of its type. - Chicago Maritime Museum - US Sailing Foundation - Chicago Maritime Festival - Judd Goldman Foundation, and others. We sincerely appreciate the support and encouragement we have received over the years and have endeavored in all aspects to deserve your continued support.
˙www.chicagoyachtclub.org
17
