After the COVID-19 pandemic forced almost all charitable foundations to pull back on fundraising efforts, there’s a big boost fueling the recovery of one group, which gives kids opportunities in the marine and maritime industries.
The Eastport Yacht Club (EYC) Foundation runs education programs that not only teach skills to students from elementary to high school, but connect the students with marine companies looking for a new generation of workers.
Annnapolis-based Pocket Yacht Company just donated $25,000 to the EYC Foundation to help fund these programs. The Cutwater and Ranger Tug dealer sayshelping fund these efforts is a no-brainer within the industry. “As an EYC member, I was happy to support the charitable arm of the club,” says Mark Schulstad, Owner of Pocket Yacht Company. “They have a great impact on our local youth and their programs create a sustainable pipeline for students interested in pursuing a career in the Marine or Maritime Industry.”
Pocket Yacht says the donation was made with proceeds from the sale of a boat—and the EYC Foundation wants to make sure everyone knows boat donations are welcome along with monetary donations. “We’d like to encourage people who are interested in supporting the foundation to donate their boat or go to our website and make a donation of any kind,” says Tim Wilbricht, Sales Director of the Pocket Yacht Company, also serves as the Chair of the EYC Foundation.
The annual programs the foundation offers students include STEM through Sailing and Boating, Jr. Sailing Scholarship, Marine & Maritime Scholarship, Marine Wizards, and the Marine and Maritime Career Expo. You can learn more here.
–Meg Walburn Viviano
