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Thursday, March 28, 2024
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HomeGrenadaCarriacouRaising More Than Sails - 7th Carriacou Children's Educational Fundraiser

Raising More Than Sails – 7th Carriacou Children’s Educational Fundraiser

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Cruisers raised more than just sails and spirits during the recent Carriacou Regatta:  pulling together with locals and businesses, they helped haul in a record-breaking EC $16,152 during the “Lucky” 7th Carriacou Children’s Education Fund (CCEF) benefit. Staged annually in Tyrell Bay, this fun fundraiser was launched during the 2000 Regatta by cruisers to express appreciation for Carriacou’s warm hospitality.  More than EC $60,000 has been contributed by yachtspeople and locals to the CCEF, which provides educational assistance to local children.

The lively CCEF Auction was the fundraiser’s highlight. Veteran CCEF auctioneer Mike Jordan (Rhumb Runner) kept the bids and belly laughs rolling as the crowd snapped up an eclectic yard-sale of items donated by cruisers and landlubbers. On the block were valuable marine goodies, original artwork, rare NASA memorabilia, a boat-load of bakery treats… even a seltzer-shooter!  Local merchants contributed a Tyrell Bay Yacht Haul Out package, SCUBA sessions from Arawak Divers, and gift certificates from Genevy’s Massage, Lambi Queen Restaurant, Patty’s Deli, Lazy Turtle Pizzeria and Twilight Restaurant. 

The hospitable owners of visiting Texas mega-yacht Champagne Cher donated a five-star “party package” of onboard brunch, bubbly, and branded boat-wear that sparked a bidding “shoot out” amongst a posse of Lone Star comrades. “Bargain Bilge” and craft sales, plus cash donations topped up the kitty.

Cruisers and local supporters presented the tally, almost a 30% boost over last year’s, to Ms. Susan Peters, the Social Worker attached to the Ministry of Carriacou and Petit Martinique Affairs. Guided by Peters, CCEF provides needy local children with school uniforms, textbooks, supplies, and other assistance. The Fund’s steady growth has created two new initiatives: “Meals From Keels” (a school lunch program), and a series of full scholarships to Carriacou’s T.A. Marryshow Community College. Since inception, CCEF has provided assistance in over four hundred qualified cases.

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Mere good fortune has less to do with CCEF’s “Lucky 7” success than a winning combination of hard work, dedication, and generosity by its supporters and volunteers. Congratulations go to overachieving organizers Melodye and John Pompa (Second Millennium); Tyrell Bay Haul Out management for its loyal support; and Carriacou Yacht Club’s owners and staff for their hospitality and willingness to stockpile auction inventory throughout the year. Thanks, as well, as cruisers present in spirit through donations and cash pledges. We hope to see you next year!
Story submitted by CCEF Volunteer Marjorie Mowry, s/v North Stand

CCEF Fundraising Fun Spiced With International Mix

Variety is indeed the spice of life: It certainly seasoned the social—and socially conscious—activities on the Spice Island of Carriacou during the recent Carriacou Children’s Education Fund (CCEF) benefit. This year, expanded Tyrell Bay events were attended by islanders and cruisers from at least twenty nations including Iceland, New Zealand, Ecuador, Thailand and the Philippines.  Visiting vessels ranged from the humble, hard-chine home-brew to sleek mega-yacht class.

The fun and fundraising launched with the 10th Annual Welcome Potluck hosted at the Carriacou Yacht Club. John Pompa recapped the decade’s achievements and presented commemorative plaques to longtime CCEF supporters. The evening’s entertainment included a raucous guitar-and-banjo sing-along and a “Dry T-Shirt Contest” in which sartorial sailors competed in “Best Pirate-Wear,” “Most Likely To Get You Arrested,” and “Best Tall T-Shirt Tale” fashion categories. “Happy Hour” met the midnight hour as the camaraderie continued.

The Beach Fun Day featured an Arawak Diver’s Kayak Klassic, Dirty Potato-Sack Derby, Tipsy Tug-of-War, the hotly-contested Beer Chuggin’ Challenge, and an Underwater Treasure/Trash Hunt (“Yes, that can of Spam was intentionally planted. No, you may not harvest the lobster…”). Event entry fees, a lively dominoes tournament and book sales all helped the Carriacou Children’s Education Fund reach its all-time high watermark.

Carriacou Yacht Club’s grand finale BBQ marked the satisfying celebration of a week’s worth of work and play. Hats off to industrious volunteers from Arawak Divers and visiting yachts: Cayuga, Dreamcatcher, Drisana, Horta, Liward, Nomad, North Stand, Peregrine, Possible Dream and Second Millennium. Anyone left standing can take a victory lap around the foredeck!
Marjorie Mowry, s/v North Stand

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