What a night it was! We all know the iconic lyrics from Frankie Valli, and they were truly in full swing at the AYC Foundation Fête & Auction on Friday evening. This biennial event stands as a cornerstone of the Foundation's mission to support and strengthen the sailing community.
The evening began with the Youth Event, which brought together over 50 9-29 sailors for an inspiring program. Guest speaker Sarah Ramson, a 15-year-old sailor from West River Sailing Club, shared her passion for sailing and how the support of the AYCF helped her attend sailing school and compete for her high school team. When asked what makes a great sailor, Sarah offered a simple but profound answer: "You’re sailing more than you’re swimming." Another guest speaker, Leo Boucher, captivated the young sailors with stories from his Olympic trial experiences, his coaching philosophy, and what it takes to compete at the highest level. David Jurkowski also spoke to the crowd about Warrior Sailing’s mission to provide veterans with disabilities a safe and empowering training environment. And, of course, AYCF President Kathy Parks added to the fun by distributing prizes to our lucky raffle winners.
The event then transitioned into a festive evening of philanthropy, with live music, craft cocktails, delicious hors d'oeuvres, and the chance to mingle with fellow members and some of the region’s most accomplished sailors.
Commodore Chris Bell opened the evening by marking a significant milestone: the 25th Anniversary of the Foundation. In this time, the Foundation has funded over $1 million in scholarships and grants, making an immense impact on young sailors' lives. "Each of those awards represents an opportunity for young sailors to gain experiences that can shape their futures in profound ways," he noted.
The Commodore also shared exciting updates on the Foundation's upcoming initiatives before handing the mic over to hosts Cole and James Allsopp. The Allsopp brothers regaled the crowd with stories from their childhoods spent sailing on the Bay and how the sport shaped their lives. Cole, a seasoned racer in both dinghies and keelboats, honed his skills at Severn Sailing Association and the AYC Junior Program. He later led the Sailing Program at Severn Sailing School and became a pillar of the local sailing community. James, a distinguished member of the Naval Academy Sailing Team, brought his expertise and passion for the sport to the evening's celebration.
A highlight of the night was a special appearance by John Bertrand, an Olympic silver medalist from the 1984 Games. John shared stories from his illustrious sailing career and even brought his medal to show the crowd, providing a glimpse into the world of performance racing.
The silent auction also added to the excitement, with members bidding on incredible items, including an Opti, exquisite jewelry, and signed sports memorabilia. The event wasn’t just about the prizes—it was about supporting a cause that deeply enriches the lives of many.
As we set our course for the next phase of our fundraising, we are thrilled to report that the 2025 Fête & Auction raised $101,000, surpassing our $100,000 goal. Every dollar raised will directly support the Foundation’s mission, helping sailors like Sarah, organizations like Warrior Sailing, and aspiring Olympians like Leo.
Building on the momentum of last year's record-breaking $1 million raised, thanks to the generosity of over 250 donors and the $500,000 match challenge from Maggie and Marty Roesch, we are laying the groundwork for a financially sound endowment that will continue benefiting the Annapolis community for years to come.
Looking ahead, we need your continued support to keep this momentum going. Together, we can bring even more people to the water in 2025 and elevate our community to new heights of excellence in boating.
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