Community Sailing Colarado raises $45,000

by Steve Frank on 28 Mar 2008 'Its about the Kids!' was heard all evening at the 9th Annual 'Spirit of Sailing' Gala Fundraiser. More than 165 Community Sailing supporters, volunteers and parents celebrated this year's theme 'Helping Children Find Their Way'. This event raised over $45,000 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 Cableland, the former home of Bill Daniels, and the official residence of the Mayor of Denver. This landmark sits atop of the Hilltop neighborhood in Denver.

The evening entertainment - steel band 'Isle of View'; provided a fun atmosphere for supporters to browse through items presented for a great silent auction. Sixty 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, African Safari, and 10 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 'Its about the Kids!'; he turned the microphone over to CSC Board Chairwoman Sarah Riopelle, who presented the second annual '*Spirit of Sailing Award*' to Peter Weil for his leadership, contribution and drive to see Community Sailing's youth summer programs succeed.

Dave Aguilera introduced the special guest speaker for the evening, four-time America's Cup and two-time Whitbread round the world sailor, and 1999 Rolex Yachtswoman of the year, Ms. Dawn Riley. Dawn, who was sponsored to speak by ClearPoint Weather www.clearpointweather.com, treated the audience to a moving talk and video about her sailing experiences and emphasized the importance of remembering that in community sailing programs 'Its about the Kids!'

Dawn was followed by a short presentation by the parent of a special needs child; Bob Idleberger- who made it clear to all that CSC's special needs programs can have tremendous impacts on the lives of all children especially those with special needs.

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. The night ended with a little magic by Keir Royale.

During 2007, over 465 children attended Community Sailing's programs.

Log on to www.communitysailing.org for program information