Flanked by Lake Michigan to the east, Chicago has a long history of sailing activity enjoyed by children and adults across the city. The Chicago Yacht Club (CYC) holds an esteemed place in our nautical tradition, having opened their doors to novice and experienced sailors for over 140 years. Late this summer, the CYC thoughtfully welcomed SOS Children’s Villages Illinois to its marina for educational fun, a shared meal, and supportive fundraising. We are grateful for our partnership and the memories that were created for the youth in our community and our family of supporters.
Children’s Dinner and Sailing
On August 30, 2018, 14 children strapped up in life vests and Chicago Yacht Club Foundation baseball caps and stepped foot onto six sail boats docked at the Chicago Yacht Club Marina. Led by experienced captains,
the children set off into a unique sailing adventure. While on board, the children, accompanying Foster Parents, staff, and Associate Board Members learned about the mechanics of a sail boat, Greg Miarecki, Past Commodore, explained to the staff that sailing offers a special opportunity for educational engagement, learning not only about weather and boating, but about the mathematics and sciences required to become an expert captain.
Prior to sailing, our community shared dinner with captains and volunteers from the CYC, generously hosted by the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation. Together, we dined on grilled summer treats and snacks while getting acquainted with one another and learning about the CYC commitment to educating children across Chicago on the art of sailing.
The Chicago Regatta
For a second year, SOS Illinois was one of three charity partners for the Chicago Regatta, sponsored by Wintrust and hosted by the Chicago Yacht Club. Despite the daytime sailing events being cancelled due to weather, the evening’s Sweet Home Chicago Dock Party gathered a strong crowd of an estimated 300 guests, who enjoyed a live blues band, dinner and cocktails, a remote control boat race, and silent auction.
Representatives from SOS Illinois were excited to greet guests at our mission table, inviting new friends to learn about our unique focus on sibling foster care and preventative services. The two other charities were the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation, which provides sailing education for youth, and the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital. We are honored to have been chosen alongside such esteemed institutions and appreciation the lasting commitment for the wellness and education of children held by the CYC.
We look forward to continuing to create unique experiences and a lasting impact alongside our supporters at the Chicago Yacht Club and offer our sincerest gratitude to their dedicated staff and volunteers for helping us build a summer of memories and the future of foster care.
Representatives from SOS Illinois were excited to greet guests at our mission table, inviting new friends to learn about our unique focus on sibling foster care and preventative services. The two other charities were the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation, which provides sailing education for youth, and the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital. We are honored to have been chosen alongside such esteemed institutions and appreciation the lasting commitment for the wellness and education of children held by the CYC.
We look forward to continuing to create unique experiences and a lasting impact alongside our supporters at the Chicago Yacht Club and offer our sincerest gratitude to their dedicated staff and volunteers for helping us build a summer of memories and the future of foster care.