Easter Seals Day on the Bay

by Marcia Peck

The second annual Easter Seals Day on the Bay was held at the Corinthian Yacht Club, Saturday, July 22. Headed by our own Herb Meyer, Jacky Reinhardt, CEO of Easter Seals, northern California, and Dawn Riley, honorary chair, the day was a rousing success,

Seventy developmentally disabled individuals were treated to a fabulous day. Following instruction in boating safety, and receiving life jackets, they boarded either power or sail boats, skippered and crewed by club members, and other volunteers. Brisk winds and the presence of America’s Cup Boats provided real excitement. If that wasn’t enough, the Coast Guard brought their 47’ rescue cutter to the Corinthian guest dock. They conducted tours, provided tee-shirts, and for the grand finale, called in their medivac helicopter and did a rescue at sea, right in front of our breakwater! With the chopper hovering only l5 feet over the water to retrieve the real live man overboard, local vessels started in their direction to give assistance. The very real simulation was watched in amazement by everyone on the deck.

The day was capped off by a great burger lunch, and a junior laser race, arranged and announced by Dawn Riley. All the participants in the day received certificates, and many gave moving accounts of their experience. To quote Herb Meyer, “it was a win, win, win situation. For those who participated, for the Easter Seals Organization, and for the Corinthianl.” If you want to know more, check out their smiles on our web site.

Many of our club members were involved in this event, including Commodore Dan Carrico, Cliff Donoho, Julle Levicki, Jeff McQueeen, Ron Roberts, Herb Rodricks, Ray Smeraldo, and Charlie White, and spouses. Many thanks!