CIYC Foundation Donations To Avalon Charities (November 2023)
CIYC Foundation Members Attended The 2023
Newport Beach International Boat Show
Year End CIYC Foundation Report
First, I want to thank the members of CIYC for their support and generosity this year. Not only have you been generous with your wallets but with your time. Without the help of CIYC volunteers the Billfish Tournament and our fundraisers would not be possible. In 2023 the Foundation donated $69,000 to Avalon charities including Avalon High School scholarships, the Humane Society, Catalina Island Medical Center, Catalina Island Search and Rescue, Kids Ventures, Avalon 4 th of July Celebration, Avalon’s Drive-In Movie Program and Prime Time senior program.
It’s been a year of transition for the Foundation. Previously Randy Weaver co-chaired the Billfish Tournament with Anthony Salcido as a separate organization. In 2022 the Billfish was folded into the Foundation to provide support and management, allowing Randy and Anthony to step back. The 2023 event was the inaugural tournament for the Foundation and a rousing success thanks to the work of Bob and Sally Kurz and all the directors and volunteers that made it happen.
As we wrap up 2023 we’re preparing for 2024 and the 100 th anniversary of Catalina Island Yacht Club. To that end our 2024 fundraiser will be included as part of the festivities at the club’s anniversary celebration in August.
Once again, thank you CIYC membership for your support.
Catalina Island Yacht Club Foundation
photo I.D. l to r S/C Jim Wachtler, Kirk MacInnis, CIYC Director , Dan Huncke, Director Community Services. 2nd row, S/C Jim McCampbell, Tom Thacker CIYC Chairman of Board and brick drive chair. photo credit Lynnette O’Bryan
Early in 2001 discussions were held concerning the feasibility and desirability for the yacht club to form a 501 (c) (3) charitable foundation to augment the Club’s giving to worthwhile projects in Avalon and the Island of Catalina. Official papers were filed and endorsed in the office of the California Secretary of State on June 18, 2001. The first meeting of the Foundation Board of Directors was held on June 21, 2001 with Dr. Jim Serles elected to serve as the first President/ Chairman of the Board.
During the next several years the initial Articles were amended to broaden the scope and purpose of the Foundation to include donations not only to the City of Avalon but also other qualified charitable institutions which benefited Avalon and Catalina Island. Literature was developed to encourage club members and other interested parties to consider the advantages of including the Foundation in their tax planning and charitable giving. Each year during the last week of the boating season the Foundation sponsors a fund raiser to replenish the Foundation treasury.
Among notable fundraisers were a cocktail and dinner at the home of the then president Barry O’Neil featuring special guest Ed McMahon, a CIYC former member who regaled attendees with many fascinating memories of his close business relationship with Jonny Carson on the Tonight Show, and in 2016 a private tour and dinner of the just completed Catalina Island Museum.
A sampling of recent donations includes, the City of Avalon, the Catalina Island Medical Center, Avalon Search and Rescue, CHOICES, Avalon High School, Avalon Fire Department, Catalina Island Conservancy, the Chimes Tower restoration project, Avalon Kids Baseball, Catalina Kid Ventures