Waterfront Way Foundation’s Inaugural Cruise For Kids Raises Twenty Thousand Dollars For Place Of Hope, In Lieu Of Five Fundraising Events Cancelled Due to COVID-19
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Waterfront Way Foundation’s Inaugural Cruise For Kids Raises Twenty Thousand Dollars For Place Of Hope, In Lieu Of Five Fundraising Events Cancelled Due to COVID-19
[JUPITER, FLORIDA, June 10th, 2020] – Waterfront Way Foundation presented a check in the sum of $20,000 to Place of Hope this Tuesday from Waterfront Way Foundation’s “Cruise For Kids” event in May of this year. This amount was then doubled by Place of Hope’s Emergency Response Matching Fund to bring contributions to $40,000 in support of the non-profit organization.
Due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, Place of Hope was forced to cancel more than five fundraising events in 2020 to adhere to social distancing regulations, including the “Fish For Hope KDW Tournament”, the “17th Annual Golf Invitational and Charity Dinner”, their “Paradise Found Dinner” at Adams Ranch, and their “Summertime Parties With A Purpose” event. Fundraising events are vital to Place of Hope’s budget throughout the year, as they currently protect and provide for 340 children in foster care throughout South Florida.
When Rob Thomson of Waterfront Way Foundation heard that Place of Hope had to cancel fundraisers, he and Joe Kelly, Vice President and co-founder of Waterfront Yacht Brokerage, stepped in to find a way to organize a fundraising event that followed social distancing guidelines, hence the “Cruise For Kids” was born.
After two quick weeks of organization, planning, social media promotion, and word of mouth, on May 17th, 2020, over 200 people spread out on more than 50 boats arrived at Jupiter Inlet to show their support for Place of Hope. No registration was necessary, but boaters were encouraged to donate via text.
Led by 80’ Viking “Fifty Shades”, captained by Joe Kelly, the fleet of supporters including center consoles, sportfishing yachts, motoryachts, and catamarans cruised from Jupiter Lighthouse to Palm Beach Inlet via the intracoastal waterway. All participants followed appropriate social distancing and boating guidelines to raise awareness and funds that weren’t otherwise possible.
“Taking care of our community’s most vulnerable requires all of our collective efforts,” stated Charles L. Bender III, Founding CEO and Board Member of Place of Hope. “We are so thankful for the leadership and generosity of Rob and the entire team at Waterfront Properties for always caring and helping.”
“I am very concerned about the monumental challenges under-resourced kids in our local area face,” expressed Rob Thomson, Owner of Waterfront Properties, Waterfront Yacht Brokerage, and Founder of Waterfront Way Foundation. “Place of Hope makes a genuine and tangible difference in the daily lives of so many children, and prepares them for a secure and bright future that every single one of them deserves. We feel privileged to be able to help them continue their phenomenal efforts.”
About Place of Hope
Place of Hope was ranked the #1 Nonprofit for Youth Development, Shelter, and Crisis Services in the Nation by Charity Navigator and one of the “11 Top-Rated Charities That Changed The World In 2014” by The Huffington Post. It is a faith-based, state-licensed children’s organization that provides family-style foster care (emergency and long-term); family outreach and intervention; maternity care; safety for domestic minor sexually trafficked victims; transitional housing and support services; foster care recruitment and support; hope and healing opportunities for children and families who have been traumatized by abuse and neglect. For more information, visit www.placeofhope.com.
About Waterfront Way Foundation
Waterfront Way Foundation is a non-profit organization located in Jupiter, Florida and founded by Rob Thomson, managing partner of Waterfront Properties & Club Communities and Waterfront Yacht Brokerage. Waterfront Way Foundation’s core purpose is to help people in our community experience and enjoy life in a better way, and to support various under-resourced individuals and organizations in the northern Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast communities.
Contacts:
Rob Thomson, Waterfront Properties & Club Communities, Waterfront Way Foundation
561-346-1881
https://www.waterfront-properties.com/
Joe Kelly, Waterfront Yacht Brokerage
561-346-1881
http://www.waterfrontyachtbrokerage.com/
Jamie Bond, Place of Hope
561-775-7195
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