02-03-2025
Fort Pierce Yacht Club invests $30,000 in the Fort Pierce community in 2024
FORT PIERCE — The Fort Pierce Yacht Club, established in 1980 as an all-volunteer organization, is dedicated to promoting safe boating, clean water, and a commitment to be involved in the Fort Pierce community.
In 2024, FPYC made significant contributions to the Fort Pierce community, with members volunteering several hundred hours of service. Through both the FPYC and the FPYC Foundation—the club's charitable arm—more than $30,000 was invested in local initiatives. The combined contributions raised by the FPYC membership in 2023 and 2024 amounted to a some $50,000, showcasing their commitment to supporting and enhancing the Fort Pierce community.
In 2024, FPYC was sponsor of the following events: the Sunrise Kiwanis County Fair Education Exhibit, Great Waterway Cleanup, Coffee with the Mayor, Stars over St. Lucie, Main Street Fort Pierce Ghost Walk, Sights and Sounds on Second Street, Heathcote's Gardens of Light, and Project Lift.
In addition to sponsorships, donations were given through the FPYC to the Original Florida Highwayman Museum, St. Lucie Learn to Read, FPPD Courageous Kids, FPPD Explorers, FPPD Santa Cop program, and Treasure Coast Youth Sailing Foundation.
Members of the FPYC have shown their dedication through active participation in a variety of local events. From serving as guides and ghosts at Main Street's annual Ghost Walk to entering a float and walking in the annual Sights and Sounds on Second Street Christmas Parade, as well as collecting trash for the Great Waterway Cleanup and volunteering at Project Lift's Wacky Raft Event, FPYC members have consistently demonstrated their commitment to making a positive impact in Fort Pierce.
For the 14th year, FPYC sponsored and hosted the 4th of July Patriotic Boat Parade in Fort Pierce. Vice Commodore of Fleet Victoria Westphal, both organized and promoted the parade in the community, which led to a bigger-than-anticipated turnourt.
The 2024 event was led by FPYC Commodore Linda Sampson. Another popular boat parade is the MIATC St. Lucie County Christmas Boat Parade. Michele March, FPYC Social Media and Public Relations Chairperson, along with Past Commodore Diane Korbey and VC of Fleet Victoria Westphal served on the MIATC Boat Parade committee putting in many volunteer hours. The FPYC serves as a host for the SLC Christmas Boat Parade.
Collaboration with other community interests is always a goal of the FPYC and in 2024, FPYC continued their long-standing collaboration with Main Street Fort Pierce in hosting Coffee with the Mayor, and at the September 2024 meeting, Judy and Herb Bopp, members of the FPYC were recognized as volunteers of the month.
The FPYC also hosts the Manatee Center's Lunch and Learn Program throughout the year and during the summer, serves as "home" for the Fort Pierce Jazz and Blues Society for their summer series.
The Fort Pierce Yacht Club continued its support of the community through memberships in Main Street Fort Pierce and Marine Industries Association of Treasure Coast. Two members of the FPYC, Charlie Hayek and Steve Holland, also serve on the Board of Main Street Fort Pierce.
FPYC's Trim a Tree party, an FPYC Christmas tradition for more than 20 years, raises money for a local community organization. In 2024, SafeSpace was chosen as the recipient and the event raised $3,000 in donations and toys for the organization.
The Fort Pierce Yacht Club Foundation, the charitable arm of the FPYC, was also actively investing in the community during 2024. The 2024 FPYC Foundation Board of Trustees included Robynn Holland, Kris Muus, Victoria Westphal, Suzie Boardman, Bob Harbison, Christa Stone, and Nancy Hector.
Ever played rock/paper/scissors with a commercial diver? Or hold a fishing rod? Or get in a boat for the first time or hear about the adventures of a member of the United States Coast Guard? This is what approximately 100 students from four schools in St. Lucie Public Schools and Fort Pierce Project Lift Students did through the generosity of FPYC members, multiple sponsors, volunteers, and maritime and marine representatives. This event was hosted in February of 2024 at the FPYC and the Riverwalk Center.
In November 2024, the FPYC Foundation, under the leadership of chairs Kris and Carl Muus, and their committee (Nancy Hector, Ginny Harbison, Robynn Holland, Laurie Partlo, Victoria Westphal, Chris Hector, Bob Harbison, Steve Holland, Mo Kerr, Suzi Boardman, and Michele March) presented 007 and Casino Royale, the fundraiser for the 2025 Chart Your Course Program. Thanks to their efforts and the support of the FPYC members, the Foundation will be able to host the 3rd annual Chart Your Course event in 2025.
For the first time, the FPYC Foundation held a Members' Giving Month in March in conjunction with the annual Charitable On the Water Poker Run. The cumulative funds raised was a record-breaking $25,000.
And mark your calendars for the 2025 Charitable On the Water Poker Run to be held on Saturday, April 12. The winning hand wins $500.
The money raised allowed the FPYC Foundation to expand its donations to additional organizations in the Fort Pierce community. In May, an awards ceremony celebrated both the members' initiative and the wonderful work of the recipients. Financial awards were given to:
Boys and Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County
Fort Pierce Police Department - Courageous Kids Program
Manatee Center
Original Florida Hall of Fame Highwaymen, Inc.
Project Lift - Fort Pierce Division
Stella Maris -Wesley Island Eco Camp
Treasure Coast Youth Sailing Foundation
Treasure Coast Youth Sailing Foundation and Courageous Kids joint summer program
The final donation of the year for the FPYC Foundation was a meaningful tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Dennis Hanisak, the beloved director of education at Florida Atlantic University Harbor Branch. A pioneering conservationist for the Indian River Lagoon, Dr. Hanisak's impactful work began in 1977 when he joined the research team at Harbor Branch.
His dedication to both the environment and his students has left an enduring mark, inspiring countless individuals. In honor of his Dr. Hanisak's contributions, the donation will support "Semester by the Sea," a program he founded, ensuring his vision continues to thrive for generations to come.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Fort Pierce Yacht Club invests $30,000 in Fort Pierce community in 2024
