Yacht Blast For Kids, Make a wish event.

[Escapade]

Each summer we volunteer in the "Yacht Blast For Kids" Make A Wish event in Milwaukee. We work with Children's Hospital to take "Wish" kids and their families for a day on the lake. Our small group of boats have sponsors and raise funds for Make A Wish. Each year my wife Sue completely outdoes herself. This year our boat had a Sunday Bar complete with M&M's and Sprinkles. Combine that with having a wish Kid ring your yacht bell. You will be in the presents of an angel. Here are some shots from Yacht Blast For Kids, we are up the Milwaukee River.

 

[Escapade]

How we got Started. In October of 2008, a Milwaukee business man ( Glenn Kennedy ) was boating in sunny Florida. As his vessel arrived at the St. Petersburg Marina he noticed a young family near the pier. There was a young boy who cheered with excitement as the businessman secured the lines of his boat. With curiosity, the businessman walked up to the family and introduced himself. He knelt down to talk to the exited boy in wheel chair. The boy removed his oxygen assist and said with a big smile the businessman, “That’s totally awesome, some day I hope to ride in a boat like that.” The businessman leaned over and hugged the boy, telling him some day he will. It was later learned the family was in Florida because the boy was granted a “Wish” from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Unfortunately, it was the young boy’s last vacation. The very next year, in memory of the young boy who touched the heart of this Milwaukee businessman, Yacht Blast for Kids was founded, providing an opportunity for “Wish” Kids and families to experience the joy of boating on Lake Michigan. I hope this finds someone able to start an event like this in your area. Sincerely, Mike

Our web site http://www.yachtblastforkids.com/

Here are more phots from this year’s event. Enjoy!

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/56p7528d9...ol76LY11a?dl=0

 

[Carpedmman]

How we got Started. In October of 2008, a Milwaukee business man ( Glenn Kennedy ) was boating in sunny Florida. As his vessel arrived at the St. Petersburg Marina he noticed a young family near the pier. There was a young boy who cheered with excitement as the businessman secured the lines of his boat. With curiosity, the businessman walked up to the family and introduced himself. He knelt down to talk to the exited boy in wheel chair. The boy removed his oxygen assist and said with a big smile the businessman, “That’s totally awesome, some day I hope to ride in a boat like that.” The businessman leaned over and hugged the boy, telling him some day he will. It was later learned the family was in Florida because the boy was granted a “Wish” from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Unfortunately, it was the young boy’s last vacation. The very next year, in memory of the young boy who touched the heart of this Milwaukee businessman, Yacht Blast for Kids was founded, providing an opportunity for “Wish” Kids and families to experience the joy of boating on Lake Michigan. I hope this finds someone able to start an event like this in your area. Sincerely, Mike

Our web site http://www.yachtblastforkids.com/

Here are more phots from this year’s event. Enjoy!

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/56p7528d9...ol76LY11a?dl=0

Great story Mike! Thanks for sharing, Being a transplanted Cheesehead, the story hits "home" in more ways than one. Out here in Oregon we do a similar event for veterans and their families on opening day. Feels good to give back to those in need.

All the best!