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A benefit
always serves dual purposes. On one hand it encourages scores of donors
to join forces, so that by the end of an evening their collective munificence
reaches a monumental scale. On the other it is a celebration of generosity
itself. Take a look at the photographs on these pages, and you’ll
notice a prevailing atmosphere of well-being among the patrons of last
year’s inaugural “Night for Wishes and Fishes.” It’s
clear that giving is good for you.
But
the objectives of this gala event are more diverse than most: to replenish
the coffers of two separate, worthy organizations, The Sunshine Foundation
and The Recreational Fishing Alliance.
The
Sunshine Foundation exists to bring happiness into the lives of children
who live with debilitating chronic illnesses, who cope with terminal diseases,
or who have suffered domestic abuse. Its mandate is at once simple and
profound: to fulfill the wishes of these children in ways that deliver
them, at least for a time, from their despair and demonstrate to them
that dreams can indeed become reality. Over the past 25 years the organization
has helped more than 28,000 children realize their dreams. Through the
gift of a puppy, an indescribable encounter with a celebrity hero, or
the unforgettable delight of a family outing, The Sunshine Foundation
has brought joy into these troubled lives. At the same time, it has given
each and every child the lasting and priceless understanding that somebody
cares.
The
Recreational Fishing Alliance was started in 1995 to benefit recreational
fishermen and the saltwater environment they so love. Comprised of sportsmen,
boatbuilders, and companies in the recreational fishing industry, it is
a highly organized voice on legislative matters concerning conservation,
fishing quota distribution, and claims to vital gamefish species. Through
aggressive lobbying in Washington and in legislatures coast to coast,
The Recreational Fishing Alliance endeavors to promote the rights of saltwater
sportfishermen, advance the interests of the boatbuilding and sportfishing
industries, and sustain the health of America’s saltwater resources.
The
decision to couple The Sunshine Foundation and The Recreational Fishing
Alliance is not arbitrary. A few years ago when PMY publisher Dave
Branch and his wife Tricia attended a Sunshine Foundation dinner, they
were astonished to learn that an extraordinary number of the charity’s
patrons were boat owners. While the phenomenon could simply have been
attributed to the general wealth of many who support worthy causes, Branch
sensed a deeper significance. Through his long association with Power
& Motoryacht, he knew that nearly every yacht owner considers his
vessel a dream come true. So it seemed only natural that a group of accomplished
individuals understands the worthiness of a charity that specializes in
making dreams come true for others. These same high-minded mariners have
a vested interest in the goals of The Recreational Fishing Alliance. Thus
was born an evening benefiting boaters’ sporting interests and the
boating environment while also bringing magic into the lives of innocent
victims of misfortune.
The
second-annual gala will take place on September 7th at the Trump Marina
Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and coincide with the Atlantic City
In-Water Powerboat Show. Like last year’s event, the evening will
feature dining and dancing, a silent auction, and a live auction. Items
in 2001’s auctions included an Edgewater powerboat, diamond jewelry,
vacations, sports memorabilia, marine and fishing equipment, and more.
Items on the block this year promise to be even more enticing.
Join
the staff of Power & Motoryacht and hundreds of compassionate boaters
from the New York metropolitan area for this elegant event, and celebrate
with other like-minded individuals who know the manifold pleasures of
giving. For tickets contact Megan Foley at (917) 256-2286.
Michael
McNabb’s dream to meet Rosie O’Donnell came true thanks to
the event.
Last
year’s “Night for Wishes & Fishes” featured live
and silent-auction items as well as dinner, dancing, and table serenades.
After the event two deserving Sunshine children and their families (middle,
far left and far right) traveled to Disney World, and McNabb, the third,
finally met his favorite celebrity (top right).
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