At Heart of Sailing, summer is truly sailing by. Sure, we know it isn’t “officially” summer for another week, but we’ve certainly been filling up the days with sailing adventures in several different regions. Have you sailed with us yet this season? If not, click the Sail With Us link to view available dates in a location near you.
In May, Heart of Sailing presented again at the annual Autism One Conference in Chicago, where actress and author Jenny McCarthy was the keynote speaker. It was the second appearance for Heart of Sailing at the conference, and we were pleased to meet so many more families.
Heart of Sailing has received another boat donation! At the end of May, Captain George traveled to the St. Louis area to pick-up a beautiful 25 ft. Ericsson which was donated by David Mitchell. The boat will be used in the Indiana regional programs.
Summer fun continues as Heart of Sailing is partnering with Happy Hollow Day camp to assist with sailing instruction in a smaller dinghy donated by Brad Rice and Ross Griffith. Visit the Happy Hollow website at http://happyhollowcamp.net to learn more.
In June, Heart of Sailing was honored to learn we had been selected by Angel Funding and The Shining Star Project to receive support and a grant in the amount of $2,500. Volunteer Program Director Amber Burton Small attended a dinner at Scholar’s Inn in Bloomington to receive the award on behalf of HoS. Amber enjoyed meeting the founder of Angel Funding, Rob Hanrahan, as well as the committed young men of Sigma Phi Epsilon who are managing the programs. We will have more information about Angel Funding and The Shining Star Project in an upcoming newsletter.
Galina loved it! I have rarely seen her light up the way she did when she got to sail the boat.
Galina's Dad, Michael
Phil's apprehension was gone as soon as he boarded WhiteCap
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My name is Christine and I would like to thank you for referring us to this website. We have 2 boys ages 5 and 3. We signed up with Heart of Sailing and went sailing last weekend in Dana Point. Our 3 year old (Ethan) who is autistic was so delighted and excited with the whole experience. I almost cried when he said "yes" when the Captain asked if he enjoyed the trip. Ethan hardly ever say anything at all and for him to respond to the Captain was really a big improvement for all of us. It means a lot to us to hear him. Thank you soooo much for everything. GOD bless you and your family.
Sincerely, Christina
My son, Jesse has Down Syndrome and I took him down to this excursion. He absolutely loved it. George Saidah, his staff and the Dana Point Yacht Club were so awesome. My son had the best time of his life. He loves boating and any water experience. They allowed him to navigate. He asked for a map (which now he knows at sea it is called a chart) and remembered every single spot we went. He holds on to that chart. I have one very happy pirate because that is what he calls himself now and he cannot wait for the next trip!!!
The staff are unbelievable with the children. Mr. Saidah is a very special man to be doing this and donating his time. He is so patient.
I really recommend this to all parents and volunteers.
