Venice Yacht Club Charitable Foundation

We were again blessed with beautiful sunshine in Venice for the Third Annual Ride for a Better Community! Nearly 160 riders came out to support this family oriented event. They were led out by our honorary ride leader, Mark Pritchett, CEO of Gulf Coast Community Foundation, and a Venice Police Department motorcycle escort.

The riders covered the 12 miles of streets and pathways of our island paradise. Through the efforts of these riders, the generosity of their 290-plus loop sponsors and our overall event sponsors, we raised over $48,500 to help charities in Venice and South Sarasota County. Upon returning to the finish line at the VYC, riders, guests and event sponsors were greeted with a fantastic pancake breakfast by Chef Josh and company. There was music provided by WC Sounds.

Mr. Pritchett made a presentation on the importance of community fund-raising and thanked the Venice Yacht Club members and VYCCF for all the good work and support provided to children, families and veterans who desperately need a “hand up.”

The Foundation then presented grant checks. Gulf Coast Community Foundation received $2,500 for its Unaccompanied Youth Program. The Venice High School Marine JROTC,whose members directed riders on the course and did cleanup after the brunch, received $1,000 for their team and character building obstacle course project. Last spring they received $2000 for this project.

Co-Ride Directors Steve Bieglecki and Dave Slaman acknowledged the 41 riders who had raised more than $250. In addition, special mention was made to the following riders and teams as fund raising leaders: Individuals: Michael Nemser ($2,966), Marty Zachrich ($2,500), Roy Lee ($2,485), Tina Shaheen ($2,455) and Lloyd Abbott ($1,860). Teams: RRRC Bikers: Captain-Noni Lavelle ($6,257), The Mean Shaheen Biking Machine: Captain-Tina Shaheen ($3,805), Hoosier State of Mind: Captain-Kevin Scheid ($2,750), and The Osprey Bridge Bikers: Captain Darlene Bieglecki ($2,700).

Overall, it was a fun, healthy and uplifting event that featured the involvement of our Charitable Foundation and the VYC in making our community a better place!

The VYCCF Committee met on February 12 and voted to distribute $107,000 to 18 local and worthy charities. Our fiscal year began in November 2019 and ends in October 2020. Please review the Currents for our upcoming events.

Thank you for your continuing generosity!

With sincere appreciation,
Dave Slaman, Steve Bieglecki, and Noni Lavelle

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updated: April 2020 Currents