Boat owners and participants of this year’s Freedom Waters Weekend gather for a group shot at Port Royale Marina.
For the fourth year, nearly 675 children with special needs, veterans and their families, captains and crew enjoyed a day on the water at this year’s Freedom Waters Weekend at Port Royale the weekend after Labor Day.
Saturday’s boating day focused on veterans and their spouses; on Sunday, children with serious illnesses/special needs and their families were hosted for boat rides. Both days participants also enjoyed lunch and entertainment.
“More than 100 captains brought their boats and donated their time for the weekend,” said Debra Frenkel, founder and executive director of the organization based near Naples, Fla. “These are very special people who generously give of their time to provide boat rides for people who otherwise might not be able to experience time on the water.”
Freedom Waters Foundation enhances the wellbeing of children and adults with disabilities as well as veterans by providing therapeutic boating experiences. In addition to activities at its Naples home base, weekend events take place each year at Lake Lanier/Port Royale and at Lake Monroe/Fourwinds Lakeside Inn and Marina in Bloomington, Ind.
Donors included Port Royale Marina, Marine Specialties, Martin Docks, Yamaha, Gordon Food Services and Galley Gourmet.
“It’s amazing to me to see almost 700 people come together, few who know each other, but all with loving, giving hearts who want to make smiles and memories,” Frenkel said. “So much love and not one negative incident. That’s pretty magical and special. New friendships are made, and most can’t wait until next year.”
For more information about the foundation, visit www.freedomwatersfoundation.org.
Photo: courtesy Freedom Waters Foundation
