In 2018, the Venice Yacht Club Charitable Foundation began a new tradition as part of its fundraising events, adding a community bike ride. In addition to encouraging participants of all ages to enjoy the beauty of Venice Island, all riders received financial sponsors enabling the Foundation to raise approximately $8,000. The VYCCF provides an average of $115,000 in grants a year to local Venice/South County charities focused on literacy, homelessness, fighting hunger and veteran services.
By 2020, the third ‘Ride For A Better Community’ grew to over 150 riders, raising $48,000 that would help provide emergency funding for charities inundated with community need, driven by Covid-19. As the 2020 crises unfolded, the Foundation committed to give out 100% of its total receipts and just has kicked off its 2021 year of caring. Dave Slaman, 2021 Foundation and Bike Ride chairperson, knows that the challenges of need will be great, but is confident we are on our way to a highly successful year.
Joe Terranova, 2021 Commodore of the Yacht Club explains: “It is with a great deal of excitement and anticipation that the Venice Yacht Club Charitable Foundation enters its second decade. The VYCCF continues to do the most good for the most people at risk, by providing financial and volunteer assistance to numerous charities throughout Sarasota County. The 4th Annual ‘Ride For A Better Community,’ to be held on February 21, 2021, is the Foundation’s signature fundraising event and has proven to be a fun, healthy and rewarding experience. I encourage all members of our community to join in the fun and either ride and / or sponsor a rider. I can assure you that 100% of the funds raised go to help those in need in our community.”
Registration has begun and community sponsors are already lining up to insure a successful event. Our riders include grandparents to grandkids ages 8 to 85, when the VYCCF hosts this fun and healthy event. A modest registration/donation fee of $50 per rider includes a commemorative shirt and post-ride breakfast at the Venice Yacht Club. But most critical will be the enthusiastic sponsorship that each rider gathers, which fund the grants awarded each year to the community. In fact, 2020 marked a milestone for the Foundation, as its 10-year gift total exceeded $750,000! Registration and sponsorship can be found on-line at Secure.ministrysync.com/ministrysync/event/?e=20247
So please help the VYC Foundation enter its second decade of providing hope and opportunity to those in-need. You can also research the Foundation’s mission and grant history at: Vyccf.com
1330 Tarpon Center Drive, Venice. 941.488.7708. VeniceYachtClub.com