Venice Yacht Club Charitable Foundation

Charting a course to a better community…

Message from the Board Chair — First Half of 2026 Dear Venice Yacht Club Members,
It is hard to believe we are already halfway through our fiscal year! As always, we are deeply grateful for the incredible generosity of the VYC membership, their friends, and their families. The Foundation has had a remarkable start to 2026, and I am proud to share some of the highlights with you.

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Our Impact So Far in 2026

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About the Foundation
The Venice Yacht Club Charitable Foundation (VYCCF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the greater Venice, Florida community. Supported by the generous members of the Venice Yacht Club and their families, the Foundation conducts two competitive grant cycles each year, awarding funding to approximately 30 local charitable organizations.

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2026 First Grant Cycle — Update
This year, the Foundation set a grant budget of $150,000. In the first grant cycle, we received applications from over 20 local organizations and approved $86,500 in grants to 19 nonprofits. We were especially pleased to welcome three new organizations applying for the first time: Sleep in Heavenly Peace, The Venice Historical Society, and The Englewood Community Center.

Through the end of March, $35,000 has been distributed to seven organizations, with the remaining grants scheduled for disbursement in April and May 2026.

First Cycle Grant Recipients Include:

• The Haven
• Laurel Civic Association
• Good Samaritan Health
• Senior Friendship Center
• Venice Area Historical Society
• Venice Area Pregnancy Care Center
• Mote Marine Aquarium (new — first visit to their new facility!)

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2026 Second Grant Cycle — In Progress
The second grant cycle is well underway! We have already received approximately 28 grant applications, with a few more days remaining before the grant window closes. During April, the Outreach Committee will vote on these applications, and in May we will announce the recipients for the second cycle. We look forward to continuing to serve our community through this second round of funding.

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Event Highlights

9th Annual Bike/Walk Ride for a Better Community — February 2026 ✔ Completed
What a success! Over 250 participants joined us for a perfect morning, and we surpassed our fundraising goal by raising $130,000! Three $5,000 grant checks were awarded at the event. Special thanks to Director Dave Slaman and co-chairs Steve Bieglecki and Steve Selbo, as well as the Venice Police Department and VHS JR ROTC cadets. Heartfelt thanks also go to our dedicated volunteers and the entire Yacht Club team.

Mote Marine Laboratory — April 9, 2026
On April 9, a group of committee members presented a $5,000 grant check at the new Mote Marine Aquarium. The grant was for a youth education science program, including learning about coral restoration, in their state-of-the-art STEM labs.

Jazz Under the Stars — April 23, 2026
Join us for an elegant evening of live jazz, delicious food, and wonderful company under the night sky. This year we are thrilled to welcome back The Savannah Brady Trio. Our dynamic Event Chair and co-chair, Karla Olsen and Joi Nemke, have even more fun planned for this year! This event is typically a sell-out — reserve your table early!

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Looking Ahead
The second half of 2026 promises to be equally exciting. Our beloved Parrot-Head Party returns by popular demand on Saturday, October 17, 2026 — a night of Jimmy Buffett- themed music, dancing, great food, special surprises, fun games, and one-of-a-kind Jimmy Buffett memorabilia auction. This event will sell out, so book early!

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Other Ways to Support the Foundation
Have you considered donating through Zelle? This free, bank-to-bank encrypted digital payment service makes giving simple and secure. If your bank uses Zelle, all you need is our registered email address: Treasurer@vyccf.com — funds are transferred directly with no account numbers exchanged.

For a 501(c)(3) like VYCCF, Zelle offers key advantages:

• No transaction fees
• Instant access to funds
• Secure and direct transfers
• Simple for donors

Please be sure to include your name and email with your donation so we can send you a thank-you letter and tax receipt.

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Thank You
None of this would be possible without the incredible support of our members, volunteers, and the broader Venice Yacht Club community. You are the reason we can chart a course for a better community.

"Mobilize the collective goodwill of our community to improve the lives of our neighbors, including those who are most vulnerable."
— VYCCF Mission Statement

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Your Volunteer VYCCF Committee of Leaders
Board Chair: Sylvia Hollister | Vice Chair: Dave Slaman | Board Secretary: Sandy Welch | Treasurer: John O'Donnell | Director/VYCCF Committee Chair: Haydn Fusia Events Chair: Karla Olson | Recording Secretary: Joi Nemke | Currents Editor: Barbi Richardson | Corresponding Secretary: Fran Jeffrey |Noni Lavelle | Kevin Collins | Pamela Phildius | Beth Piel | Cherie Major | Kimberly Spearman | Joyce Mierzejwski | Steve Selbo | Linda Kwasny | Shawn Kelly

Respectfully Submitted,
Sylvia Hollister
2026 VYCCF Board Chair

Together we are Charting a Course for a Better Community