By Stefanie Jackson – The Cape Charles Yacht Club started its own charitable outreach program this year and raised $3,000 for the Cape Charles Food Pantry from their very first event Feb. 14.
They set out to spread the love on Valentine’s Day by holding a drive-thru donation event at Mimosa Barn. Members who donated money or food items each received a bouquet of roses.
A dozen participants donated food and 23 checks were received the day of the event totaling $2,575. Combined with mail-in donations from other yacht club members, a total of $3,000 was raised.
CCYC Vice Commodore Rob Harris was “very happy with the participation and turnout for this event,” he said.
Harris is the captain of the yacht club’s new charitable and civic committee.
The Cape Charles Food Pantry gives grocery store gift cards and grocery bags full of food to community members in need on the second Wednesday of every month.
The food pantry also supports the Backpack Program serving children in need who are students of Northampton County Public Schools.
The program provides children with “nutritious, nonperishable and easy-to-prepare food,” Harris said.
Northampton County Education Foundation programs are in consideration for the yacht club’s support at its next charitable event.
COVID-19 prompted the creation of the yacht club’s outreach program, which is accomplishing a dual purpose: to help people in the community who were negatively impacted by the pandemic and to allow yacht club members opportunities to continue meeting and interacting while adhering to COVID-19 health and safety guidelines.
The Cape Charles Yacht Club, with approximately 140 members, is likely the largest social organization in town, Harris said.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, club members typically met once a month to socialize and enjoy a few “docktails.”
Other frequent activities included both large and small boat cruises and the club’s annual oyster roast, Harris said.
The COVID-19 pandemic provided the opportunity to yacht club members to “open their eyes to the needs … in the area and do some good,” he said.
Their aim is “to be better civic citizens” and “get more involved in the community.”
