Venice Yacht Club Charitable Foundation

Our Children are our Future

A recent news article had the headline “Florida ranked 40th in latest Kids Count report.” The report indicates that Florida children are falling behind other states in economic well-being with a ranking of 45th of the 50 states. Nearly half of Florida children live in “cost-burdened” families which spend more than 30 percent of their monthly income on housing. More Florida children, 23 percent, live in poverty than the national average.

Florida performed better in education indicators, ranking 31. However, reading proficiency rates are bleak. Over 60% of fourth graders are not reading at grade level and that percentage is greater among low-income families. Studies show that these students are more likely to drop out of high school, reducing their earning potential and chances of reaching their long-term potential.

It might sound corny to write that “our children are our future.” But it is true. Your Club’s foundation recognizes that and is undertaking its third signature project aimed at working on children’s issues. Our project this year, NEST, supports local charities that are focused on childhood hunger, literacy, and homelessness. This is consistent with our tagline of “Charting a course to a better community.”

There are many ways to invest in the VYCCF and our focus on our community’s children. You may invest with direct financial support, volunteer at one of our monthly volunteer days, sponsor one of our many activities, or bid on some of the items at our October 14 annual auction benefit.

Our April Jazz night was a smashing success with beautiful weather and a full house. Our first annual Blues Bistro on August 10 is on track to be as successful with a great band and a unique New Orleans small bites menu prepared by Chef Josh. We are excited to present our first annual charity bike ride on November 12. This will be a pretty, 12-mile guided ride around Venice island starting at the Club, with a rest stop at Marine Max and ending with a pancake breakfast back at the VYC. You may ride or sponsor some of our riding VYC members.

Please mark your calendars for our annual auction benefit on Saturday, October 14. We will auction a wide variety of items from a Holland America Cruise and Tiki John's bartending services to art, gift baskets, and restaurant gift cards. There's something for everyone. Please join the fun and support our community's children in need.

I recently met with representatives of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation. They no longer refer to contributors, donors, or supporters. They prefer to use the term “investors” as many of those who make financial or volunteer contributions are looking for more than just a tax deduction. These individuals are taking ownership in improving their communities.

I like the term “Investors” as our Foundation is certainly taking a long-term view in charting a course to a better community. Many of our VYC members invest with us on this mission. I am proud that as of June 30, we have raised about $58,000 compared to $52,000 at this point last year. And, we have 36 first time investors compared to 17 last year. Thank you all.

So, if you are not yet an investor with the Venice Yacht Club Charitable Foundation, won’t you please consider joining us by hitting the “Donate Now!” button on our website (veniceyachtclub.com/vyccf.php) as we chart a course to a better community? VYCCF Committee: Chair Michael Nemser, Vice Chair Don Healy, Treasurer John O'Donnell, Commodore Kerry Carper (Board Rep), Cindy Abbot, Lloyd Abbot, Joan Bowen, Bill Bowen, Kevin Collins, P/C Jim DeNiro, P/C Joe Dombrowski, P/C Merle Graser, P/C Dick Guba, Doris Guba, Barbara Isaacson, Virginia LaPlante, Warren Major, Paul Nasipak, Beth Piel and Dave Slaman

updated: Aug/Sept 2017 Currents