Venice Yacht Club Charitable Foundation

Fellow members...

Things have been busy at the Foundation. Bob Cummings, a professional photographer, graciously agreed to donate his time and equipment at the Valentines’ Day party to take couple’s photos for a small contribution to the VYCCF. Over 20 couples participated and the proceeds went to our operating account to pay for postage, stationery, etc. As we do not use any VYC supplies or staff services, these funds were welcomed and necessary. Thank you, Bob.

There have been questions about expenses of the VYCCF and Gulf Coast. Contributions to the VYCCF go to local charities and enhance the VYC image in the Venice area. Gulf Coast provides many valuable services to the VYCCF for a nominal fee which is paid from the earnings on our invested funds. The VYCCF would incur significantly higher costs without the efficient services of Gulf Coast. In summary, any money contributed to the VYCCF from members or club events will go 100% back to the community. VYCCF minor operating expenses for postage, stationery, etc. are paid from funds raised in projects such as the Wednesday night Chip-in program and the Valentine's Day photos.

The Club and some of its members have recently made “pass-through” contributions to targeted charities. These contributions help further the interests of the VYC in the community and 100% of the contributions are sent to the targeted charities with no deductions taken by the VYCCF or Gulf Coast.

As mentioned last month, we have arranged for secure credit card donations through the Gulf Coast Foundation website. Please go to www.gulfcoastcf.org, click on the Give Now icon on the top right side of the screen and then select Venice Yacht Club Charitable Foundation from the drop down list. It’s that easy.

Please attend our kick-off reception at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 2 in the Sunset Room. We will be presenting a grant to the Boys and Girls Club of Sarasota County. J. Mack Reid, their CEO, will be on hand to accept the grant and tell us about their programs for supporting and protecting our local children. We will have passed hors d'oeuvres to enjoy and the bar will be open. Come out, have some fun and see, first hand, the good work your Foundation is doing for the community in your name. Also, we have teamed up with the VYBA to staff a water station in the VYC parking lot for the Livestrong Bicycle Ride for cancer research on Sunday, May1. As you can see, we are doing a lot of good work to support our community and enhance the image of the Venice Yacht Club. Our thanks to those who have contributed to our mission and who understand that we never stand taller than when we stoop down to help those who have fallen.

Anthony R Zumbano, Chairman Venice Yacht Club Charitable Foundation

Charting a course to a better community…