 “ITS
ABOUT THE KIDS!” was heard all evening at the 10th Annual Spirit of
Sailing Gala Fundraiser. More than 140 Community Sailing supporters,
volunteers and parents celebrated this year’s “Evening in Polynesia”.
This event raised over $42,000 and will be used to provide scholarships and
tuition assistance for disadvantaged children and expand Community Sailing
of Colorado’s summer junior program.
The
fundraiser was held at the Phipps Tennis Pavilion. This landmark sits in the
Belcaro neighborhood in Denver.
The
evening entertainment, music by Kama’aina EP, Hawaiian Jazz Ukulele
provided a Polynesian atmosphere for supporters to browse through items
presented for a great silent auction. Seventy silent auction items were
auctioned off to high bidders; and 5 items were auctioned off live including
a 7 day Virgin Island Sunsail Yacht Charter, private in home dinner from the
chef of Strings Restaurant, and 20 scholarships for kids to attend sailing
camps.
Master
of Ceremonies, weatherman Dave Aguilera of CBS4, opened up the evening
program and thanked the crowd for their support of this great cause. After a
few remarks about Community Sailing of Colorado (“CSC”) and reminding
all in attendance that tonight “IT’S ABOUT THE KIDS”; Dave introduced
the special guest speaker for the evening, United States Olympic Sailing Team member in
the Yngling class, winner of four World titles in match racing, Yngling
class and team racing, ISCA All-American Sailor, Boston College graduate,
Ms. Carrie
Howe. Carrie treated the audience to a moving talk and video about
her sailing experiences in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and emphasized how
sailing has help her through her life. “IT’S ABOUT THE KIDS”.
Next
the CSC Board Chairwoman Sarah Riopelle presented the “Spirit of
Sailing Award” to Steve and
Jan Davis
for his leadership, contribution and drive to see Community Sailing’s
youth summer programs succeed.
After
the award acceptance and distinguished guest recognition, the night moved to
the live auction hosted by Chris Riopelle and Dave Aguilera. The guests gave
generously as they bid against each other to benefit the kids.
During
2008, over 465 children attended Community Sailing’s programs.
Gold
Medal Presenting Sponsor - KEW Realty Corporation
Silver Medal & Advanced Helmsperson Sponsors - The Elmore-De-Rose Group
at RBC Wealth Management,
Doug
las and
Karen Swenson
Family (Snipe Fleet), Steve &
Jan Davis
Family, Sunsail Sailing Vacations
Bronze Medal & Helmsperson Sponsors - Well-Balanced Accounting,
Inc., DaVita, ,
Mike
&
Rhonda Maas
Family
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