Spirit of Sailing Gala Fundraiser a huge success
by Community Sailing of Colorado on 16 May 2009
Board Member David Spira, Olympian Carrie Howe, and Executive Director Steve Frank Community Sailing of Colorado .
http://www.communitysailing.org
'It's 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 camp.
The fundraiser was held at the Phipps Tennis Pavilion. This landmark sits in the Belcaro neighborhood in Denver.
The evening's 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 seven day Caribbean Sunsail Yacht Charter, private in home dinner from the chef of Strings Restaurant, and 20 scholarships for kids to attend summer camp totaling $8000.
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, Olympian Carrie Howe.
Olympian Carrie Howe is a 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. Howe treated the audience to a moving talk and video about her experiences in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and emphasized how sailing has help her through her life.
Next the CSC Board Chairwoman Sarah Riopelle presented the 'Spirit of Sailing Award' to Steve and Jan Davis for their 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.
Log on to www.communitysailing.org for program information or call 303-757-7718.
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