NAPLES, Fla. (March 12, 2018) – The fourth annual Kind Mariners Ball, which took place on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at the Naples Sailing & Yacht Club, raised more than $200,000 for the Freedom Waters Foundation whose is to improve the lives of individuals with special needs and veterans by providing therapeutic marine related experiences.
More than 200 guests attended the gala event which featured a lively maritime theme, dinner and cocktail reception, live and silent auctions and entertainment by the Robert Williamson Band.
“This organization could never do all the wonderful things it does without the generous support of the community, its donors, volunteers and board members,” said Freedom Waters Foundation Executive Director/Co-Founder, Debra Frenkel. “Through the ideals of loving, caring and sharing for one another, we’re changing people’s lives one boating experience at a time.”
Freedom Water Foundation has provided more than 15,000 on the water experiences within its 12 years of service. The organization is buoyed by more than 200 volunteers each year including boat owners, crew, and on the water and in the office volunteers. The organization currently operates in Collier, Broward, Lee, and Palm Beach counties in Florida and is growing into other areas of the United States.
Its programs include Weller Days yacht outings for children with cancer and their families and other special need groups, as well as sailing and fishing programs designed to specifically include individuals with disabilities, marine activities for veterans and their families, and a variety of boating themed special events. Weller Days are named in honor of John Weller, Freedom Waters Foundation Co-Founder, a yacht broker and a five-time cancer survivor.
Lois Thome, WINK-TV News Anchor for the fourth year in a row, graced the stage again for Freedom Waters Foundation as part of the Keynote Speech, with Mike Bruno, event chair and three of FWF’s participants: Veteran – Wilfredo Vasquez, Austin Moore and Veteran – Don Tallon.
“All of this is made possible by the generosity of boaters and yacht owners, the marine industry and the communities that donate their vessels and volunteer their time,” said Freedom Waters President, Andrew Cilla.
The 2018 Kind Mariner’s Ball was sponsored by:
The Wellington Group Morgan Stanley
Cast Crete
MarineMax
Luke Brown Yachts
Advantage Services
Naples Princess
Pierson Grant Public Relations
