Venice Yacht Club Charitable Foundation

Fellow Members,

I am honored and pleased to serve as the chairman of your Venice Yacht Club Charitable Foundation. In a little over three years, the VYC Foundation has attained a prominent position in our community. We owe a special thanks to last year's committee, chaired by Michael Nemser, and committee members Matt DePalma, Merle Graser, Jerry Jarrett, Elise John, John Moore, Dewey Snowden, Denny Wertheimer and Tony Zumbano. Importantly, we owe thanks to the 132 VYC members who have already supported the Foundation with their generous contributions.

The Foundation has set a strong course with sound governance, has established a positive reputation for itself and the Club, and has helped many people with grants of over $129,000 to 33 different local organizations.

Although I have lived in Venice for over 23 years, I am relatively new to the Venice Yacht Club. This is my first position with the Yacht Club. I will need input from the present and past Foundation Committee members and the general membership. I plan to do lots of listening and work with the Foundation Committee to plot the best course for this year. I am pleased that Jack Murphy and Melinda Short have agreed to help with important parts of the Foundation operations.

The Foundation's success is due to the support and generosity of our VYC membership, such as the members of our Founders Club: Max Eisenbarth, Betty Castigliano Scott, John and Bonnie Sammet, Hubert and Elaine Ocamb and Tony and Kathy Zumbano. Everyone's support and continuing participation is very much appreciated.

The Foundation will continue this year with two grant cycles (May 1 and November 1). You are encouraged to submit grant applications on behalf of your favorite local charities that support youth boating, health and education, veterans and active military, the environment and civic improvement. Applications are simple and can be found under the Charitable Foundation tab on the VYC web site. We have plans to increase our presence in the community beyond our financial support by holding a number of VYC volunteer days. Our first on on January six at All Faiths Food Bank was very successful with 22 members participating by sorting enough food for 3,200 meals. I hope you will consider joining us in these efforts.

On behalf of Jack, Melinda and the rest of the Foundation Committee, I look forward to another great year at the VYC and your continuing support as we "Chart a course to a better community."

Wayne Hall, Chairperson

VYCCF Committee: Chair Wayne Hall, Matt DePalma, Merle Graser, Jerry Jarrett, Elise John, John Moore, Melinda Short, Jack Murphy and Bill Dowling.

Charting a course to a better community…