On a warm afternoon, more than 1,000 participants and 100 boats joined together in honor of supporting youth in Illinois. Taking place on Saturday, September 14th, the Chicago Regatta presented by Wintrust benefited three Chicagoland children’s charities: One Family Illinois; the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital; and the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation.
An Afternoon of Boating Events
The regatta, which took place at the home of the Chicago Yacht Club, Monroe Harbor, included a number of events for boaters of all skill levels and experiences. These included buoy racing, a distance race, a fun and easy casual race for newer racers, as well as remote control Dragon Force 65 racing for those looking to get into the action from the shore. Additionally, power boaters enjoyed a unique poker run along Chicago’s lakefront, stopping at different points to collect cards to make a full hand.
The Sweet Home Chicago Dock Party
Following the on-water events, the Chicago Yacht Club welcomed boating participants and guests to attend the “Sweet Home Chicago” post-race dock party and silent auction. Guests enjoyed Chicago-style barbeque, entainment form a local band, and bidding on silent auction prizes such as jewelry, vacation packages, and Chicago Yacht Club merchandise.
One Family Illinois was honored to host an informational table at the post-race party, offering guests the opportunity to learn more about our unique model of care. Attendees commented on the importance of our mission focused on keeping siblings together in foster care under the support of a full-time professional Foster Parent in one of our Village communities. We enjoyed the chance to meet so many of the passionate supporters of both the Chicago Regatta and of our youth, many who were attending the regatta for the third year in a row.
The Chicago Yacht Club Offers Experiential Education for One Family Illinois
The Chicago Regatta is not the first way that the Chicago Yacht Club has offered its support of One Family Illinois this year. Earlier in the summer, over two dozen One Family Illinois children, teenagers, Foster Parents, staff, and Associate Board Members were welcomed with open arms aboard sailboats owned and operated by members of the Chicago Yacht Club during a special sailing day. Committed to preserving and investing in the legacy of Chicago’s sailors, the experienced captains and Chicago Yacht Club members gave One Family Illinois families the unique chance to learn from experts as they enjoyed an evening of fun. You can read the full story here.
Gratitude for The Chicago Yacht Club and Wintrust
We continue to feel immensely grateful for the generous support of the Chicago Yacht Club leadership and members, and for Wintrust’s investment in youth and families. it is because of their support that the youth in our care are not only able to receive the transforming services of our community, but are also able to experience the the wonders of Lake Michigan.