Venice Yacht Club Charitable Foundation

Fellow members...

We had another busy month at the Foundation. On March 30, we sponsored a table at a fashion show luncheon for the Boys and Girls Club of Sarasota. The Venice location of the Boys and Girls Club provides a safe and secure place for our children during those vulnerable after school hours. Our own Elaine Ocamb was one of the models (the best one in our opinion) and was a wonderful representative of VYC.

A few days later, on April 2, the Foundation held a reception in the Sunset Room. J. Mack Reid, the CEO of the Boys and Girls Club, was on hand to accept our $1000 grant. In addition, Veronica Brady, Vice President of Philanthropy for Gulf Coast, attended to discuss the partnership between her organization and the Venice Yacht Club. Veronica surprised everyone by presenting a $25 Gulf Coast “Give Card” to all attendees. It was a wonderful evening for those 75 members in attendance, for the charities we support and for the image of VYC. A special thanks to Michael Nemser for his help in planning this successful event.

Looking ahead, the Foundation committee recently approved a grant to the Women Build program of the Venice Habitat for Humanity. This program challenges local women to make a difference in their community by building homes and raising awareness of local housing needs. Also this month, we have teamed up with the VYBA to staff a water station in the VYC parking lot in support of the Livestrong Bicycle Ride for cancer research on Sunday morning, May 1. Also this month, we are discontinuing the Wednesday “Chip-In” program, replacing it with a monthly 50/50. Thanks to all the “Wednesday nighters” for your continuing support.

These charitable activities are generating positive feedback from our membership and the local community. Members winning 50/50s, raffles and other games of chance are donating a portion of those proceeds to the Foundation, event committees are including Foundation activities at their parties and, best of all, we’ve been showcased in both local newspapers. Our Membership people tell me that prospective new members are very impressed when they hear about the Foundation.

It’s very easy to donate. The Foundation has a dedicated mailbox at the Club. Just write a check and put Venice Yacht Club Charitable Foundation on the envelope and send it to the Club, or give it to the receptionist and it will find its way to us. In addition, we are in need of volunteers. We need ideas and committees to plan and run our 2011 fundraisers, build a website, design brochures, plan marketing and advertising campaigns, etc. The list is endless. Please contact me by phone at 486-8546 or email at azumbano@verizon.net if you would like to help.

In closing, I'd like to welcome two new members to the committee. Jerry Jarrett and Dupont Snowden, both new members of VYC, bring a wealth of experience and expertise to our committee. 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…