Venice Yacht Club Charitable Foundation

Our mission to do the most good for the most people at risk in our community extends beyond making grants. In April, we organized a group of 21 VYC members who spent the morning at All Faiths Food Bank sorting and packaging enough food and produce to provide 8,560 meals. Those attending were proud to stand in front of Sprout, sporting the VYC logo. We will be organizing other volunteer opportunities soon.

The first half of our fiscal year ended on April 30. We raised over $51,000, half our annual fundraising goal. This is a tribute to the generosity of our VYC members. 85% of this amount, $44,000, is available for grants in May. But, the work is not done. We need to raise $49,000 before October 31. Please consider a donation to the Foundation to support our focus on active military and veterans’ organizations and our Signature Project, Feed the Hunger, Feed the Mind.

I observed the Reading Recovery Program at Tuttle Elementary which provides specially trained teachers to work individually with first grade students who do not read at grade level. I was struck by the intensity of the student-teacher interaction. I learned the importance of this early intervention, as once children are behind, the learning gap widens and recovery is more difficult, the students become more distractive to the class, and they face less opportunity in life. This learning was reinforced when I visited the YReads program at the Venice YMCA. I am convinced of the value of our Signature Project, working to improve childhood literacy and alleviate childhood hunger. If any VYC member would like to observe one of these programs, please contact me.

“Jazz Under the Stars” on July 14 is a new concept for the VYC and is our first 2016 fundraising event for the Foundation. This sponsored event brings wonderful jazz to the Club and only a small voluntary donation is suggested. Please mark your calendars for a unique and fun Thursday evening.

VYCCF Committee: Michael Nemser, Chair, Commodore Jim DeNiro, Joan Bowen, Kevin Collins, P/C Joe Dombrowski, P/C Merle Graser, Warren Major, Paul Nasipak, John O’Donnell, and P/C Melinda Short.