The AYC Women Racers Past, Present & Future Group gathered at the home of Cathy and Don Farnan in support of the AYC Foundation Velocity Campaign. Fellow women sailors at all stages of their sailing careers came to share fascinating stories about their victories and challenges on the racecourse and to learn first-hand about the people and organizations the Foundation supports in the community.
Once plates and glasses were filled and introductions made, the attention turned to the evening's guest speaker -- Alice Mahan, Seafarer Foundation Treasurer and Summer Youth Program Founder. She shared how the summer program, operating in the Seafarer Yacht Club in Eastport, has had a deep impact on children and families of Anne Arundel and Prince George's Counties for 19 years.
Alice started with a sobering statistic: 60% of African Americans do not know how to swim. This was the spark for the Seafarer Foundation to make it their mission to teach African American youth how to swim and help reduce drownings. At the beginning of the two-week camp, 100% of the participants didn't know how to swim. By the end of the camp, all became Level 4 swimmers, which means they can perform an elementary backstroke, breaststroke, and front crawl as well as enter the water confidently by jumping from the side or diving from a sitting or kneeling position. Quite the accomplishment since many started the camp not wanting to get their face or hair wet.
"It is a tremendous honor to speak to such an accomplished and distinguished group as the AYC Women Racers," Alice expressed to her captivated audience. "I applaud your efforts in ensuring that through the AYCF Velocity Campaign, nonprofits like the Seafarers Foundation receive hope and the resources needed to improve the lives of underserved children and senior citizens in our community."
This testimony is further proof that the generous benefactors of the AYC Foundation's Velocity Campaign are making a difference in the lives of many. Go here to read more about the Seafarers Foundation and be inspired!
Taran Teague (left), co-chair of the AYC Women Racers Past, Present, and Future, welcomes the guests. Alice Mahan, Seafarer Foundation Treasurer and Summer Youth Program Founder, shares statistics and summer camp success stories.
Comentários