| Greetings!
As I begin this exciting journey as the CEO of El Viento, I have been so impressed with the students in our program. First, I had the pleasure to see our Senior High School students graduate at our annual celebration. They were all so determined and secure in where their futures will take them.
A few weeks later, I was able to watch students enjoying their swim lessons at the Golden West College pool. The students skills were varied, but their enthusiasm was not diminished. They were all eager to move onto the next leg in their summer adventure, sailing.
Visiting the Newport Sea Base was one of the most fun experiences I have had. The kids had some land instruction, then they assembled their boats and they were off. I had the pleasure to follow in a Duffy boat and watch them all up close. I was amazed at the skill level and speed they were traveling.
All of the experiences I have witnessed in the past month were so impressive, while at the same time being in awe of our students. All of this was made possible by you, our friends and contributors.
To make supporting our students even easier, we are beginning the Captain's Club. The Captain's Club makes it possible to contribute on a monthly basis. Look for more information on the Captain's Club in the next few weeks.
I am looking forward to my journey with El Viento and hope I have the opportunity to meet each of you at one of our upcoming events or by joining me on one of our monthly school tours.
Please feel free to contact me for more information about our students, programs, Captain's Club, or to visit us this coming school year.
Educate. Enrich. Empower.
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Thank You!
From June 20th to July 29th, 117 of our students participated in the following exciting and educational summer program activities: Science/Technology/Leadership Workshops at the Tiger Woods Learning Center, Sailing at the Newport Sea Base, Eureka Program with Girls Inc., Swimming at Golden West Community College, Surfing, Kayaking, Rock Climbing, Improvisation Workshop, Water Polo, College Tour, and College Prep at Ocean View High School. These activities are more than just fun; they require overcoming obstacles, fears, rising to the challenge attitude, which demonstrate and further develop our students' character, commitment, and strength. We have included in this newsletter three summer articles for your reading pleasure.
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None of this Would be Possible Without YOUR Support ...
The student activities to the right represent your investment in our students' future, in their attainment of a college education, and in helping our youth to find their passion in life and contribute to strengthen of our community. We could not do this without the support of our partner agencies mentioned in this newsletter, the Coast Community College District which provides transportation, and our summer 2011 major contributors: Kaiser Permanente, Orange County Youth Sports Foundation, and the Ueberroth Family Foundation. On behalf of the Board of Directors, our staff, and our kids, THANK YOU!
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Contributor Appreciation
We gratefully appreciate the support of our loyal contributors! Thank you to the following supporters who have made a financial gift to El Viento between May 21, 2011 and June 30, 2011: Dr. Katherine Bihr
Frank C. Dohn
John Duncan
Zayda Garcia
Tessa Marquez
Harry Selling
Julie & Steve Taber
Prudential Foundation
Norcal Mutual Insurance Co.
Michael Craig
Janet Leatherman Trust
Draper Family Foundation Fund
For a list of contributors during the last fiscal year, view our 2009-10 Annual Report online. |
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Flight Watch
Getting Ready to Sail Away
 Our Flight 5 students just experienced their last summer as high school students and it involved many great activities, including a weeklong college tour. Together with El Viento staff Erika Enz and Elisa Marquez, they visited UCLA, USC, CSULA, and enjoyed a day at the beach. They made an invitation to Gustavo Arellano, writer for the OC Weekly and other publications and he accepted to speak to the group on his college and career experiences! A highlight of the week was taking the students on the metro-link train directly to Cal State L.A. Lasting memories were created and a great time was had by everyone.
Thank You Ueberroths!!!
Due to budget cuts we were unable to offer surf lessons to our students for the last three summers. This unfortunate streak changed this summer thanks to a generous donation from the Ueberroth Family Foundation. Their sponsorship allowed two of our middle school flights to take weeklong classes from the Surf Academy of Huntington Beach.
Bringing Things Full Circle
The Newport Sea Base is a key partner of ours. Our students begin sailing there ever since they start the El Viento program in elementary school. This summer Melisa and Vanessa, both incoming seniors and members of Flight 5, worked at the Sea Base as CITs (Counselors In Training). As CITs, they volunteered their time and lent their years of sailing experience. They both did a fantastic job. They even got to help with the sailing classes for the younger El Viento students. Thank you girls for bringing things full circle.
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Donations may be mailed to:
El Viento Foundation
P.O. Box 3897
Huntington Beach, CA 92605
Tax ID #33-0905269 |
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