In a very short time, Sail for Kids has raised $7,639.18.  So far, Team Jolie is leading the team fundraising, having raised $2,867, followed by Team Lester with $1,687 and Golden Fleece with $400; Kathleen Lester leads the individual category, with $1,687, followed by Josh Ewen with $1,550 and Greg Cantori with $1,050.  Are you sailor enough for the challenge?  

Our sponsors so far include Invotex ($1,000) and Andrew Tiller, State Farm Agent ($100).  Additional sponsors are lining up and we will provide an update next week with those additional organization's names. 

Our goal is to raise $20,000 for Sail for Kids and there are several ways to get involved:

1) Donate to your favorite DSC team or individual through our First Giving website;

2) Donate to your favorite youth program.  This week's featured inspirational program is Pimlico Road and you may donate through their First Giving page by clicking this link;

3) Create your own fundraising team page (Click Here to be taken to the FirstGiving Home Page - then click on "Create a Page.") and challenge the teams and individuals.

4) Host a fundraiser at your house.

There are great prizes for top fundraisers from West Marine, Ella Vickers, as well as local restaurants and wineries, and spas.

Most of all, have fun - creating a team page and asking for donations puts you in touch with folks you have not talked to in a while - a nice reason to catch up or hosting a party can be a blast! 

How will you contribute to Sail for Kids?

Greg & Kathleen

Personalize Your Message:

The best fundraising pages tell a really good story. Let people know why you're going to the trouble of raising money, and they're much more likely to take the time to donate. Explain why the Downtown Sailing Center deserves support and what their donations will buy - in our case, it is supporting funding for programs so children to have unique sailing experiences. 

Tell Everyone About Your Page:

Before you email your entire address book, ask your closest friends and family to donate first. An empty page can be a bit intimidating, so having a couple of donations on the page should encourage other sponsors. People tend to match the amounts already listed on the page, so if they're generous ones, all the better!   You can also add your page's web address, or one of our 'sponsor me' badges, to your email signature. That way, every email you send raises awareness of your fundraising and attracts more donations.  Be sure to use your Social Media contacts as well such as posting on your personal Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter accounts.

Acknowledge Your Pledges/Donations:

You can edit the thank-you email that is automatically send to people who donate by logging in to your account and going to 'Edit your thank-you message'. Make sure you encourage people to send your page on to friends who might be interested in sponsoring you.  Make it easy for them by adding the link to your page as well in the body of the text!

The DSC annual fundraiser and regatta will be in need of assistance in managing the event.  If you are available and want to be part of coordinating this essential DSC fundrasing event, please register for either or both days depending on the time you have available.  We have a openings for both days and during different day-parts with the roles laid out on the registration area.  Your presence and willingness to be of assistance is sincerely appreciate and will absolutely assure the success of our annual event!   Thank you!

Click Here to Register as a Volunteer for Saturday - July 28th

Click Here to Register as a Volunteer for Sunday - July 29th

Reminders about parking for DSC Members - your cooperation is very much appreciated:

1. Seek parking on the gravel area near the docks.  If no parking is available in that area, limited blacktop parking can be utilized, keeping as close to the docks as possible. 
2. The "Entrance" Gate is solely for the purpose of vehicular traffic entering the BMI/DSC parking lot.  Do not use this as a vehicle exit from the property at any time unless the "Exit" gate is locked.  The "Exit" Gate should be utilized to leave the property.  (This applies to moving vehicles only, not pedestrian or bicycle traffic.)
3. Skippers and Dock Masters performing end of day "securing the property" duties as the last remaining members on site will be required to close and lock both the Entrance and Exit Gates in the future. 
4. Please drive slowly and keep watch for pedestrians, especially children, and also wildlife in the parking area. 

"The Downtown Sailing Center provides quality educational and life enriching programs that promote self-esteem and teamwork through the joy of sailing.  The Downtown Sailing Center is committed to promoting an environment of inclusiveness and accessibility, especially to youth, persons with disabilities, and those with limited opportunity."