Photo courtesy of SpikeyMikey.
FROM ROYAL QLD YACHT SQUADRON
On Friday, May 5, Making Waves Queensland took delivery of its latest program yacht, “The Tribe” (a Farr 40), which was trucked from South Australia, with Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP, Julian Martin, CEO of Making Waves, and Operations Manager Wendy Tuck on hand to celebrate the arrival.
The Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron in Manly, Brisbane, will be home to the yacht and base camp for sailing programs for young people with disability and/or social disadvantage which, if all the yacht modifications can be achieved in time, are planned to commence in July 2023.
An outstanding fundraising event was held at the squadron the same night, with over 200 people attending and a goal of raising $50,000 to assist in covering the costs to get the yacht ready for service and set up the programs. To say the goal was exceeded is an understatement, and due to the enormous generosity of all guests that night, the result was over $90,000!
“I am completely overwhelmed and extremely grateful to everyone who made this night, this result and the Making Waves program in Queensland such a great success,” said Making Waves CEO Julian Martin.
“We are so proud of what has been established in other centres around Australia, but Brisbane is going to knock it out of the park!”
The fundraising night included silent and live auctions, live entertainment, and a presentation from Sam Kekovich. For many, it was the first time they had even heard about the programs being made available for young people to learn and enjoy sailing.
Mark Beitz, Managing Director of Bartons Auto Group, commanded everyone’s attention with his live auctioneering skills.
“I am just so proud to not only be a new member of the squadron and owning my first boat but for my wife Gaylene and I to be able to support this amazing initiative is just the best feeling I can imagine,” said Mark.
Peter Lewis, president of Making Waves, said, “The tremendous success and support from the squadron and the local community has created an opportunity for Making Waves to establish a permanent base in Queensland to serve over 2000 people living with disability and disadvantage in our programs over the next coming years. This is a vital part of our strategy moving forward. Thank you to all those involved”.
Further information regarding the event or assisting with the programs as a volunteer or contributor can be obtained by contacting Karen Baldwin, CEO of Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, or via email to [email protected].
