A young person with special needs enjoyed his boat ride.
Freedom Waters Foundation’s Weller Days at Port Royale Marina takes place this year the weekend of September 6-7. For the fifth year, Lake Lanier area children and adults with disabilities and their families, as well as veterans, have the opportunity to experience boating thanks to the generosity of local boat owners and volunteers.
In addition to the boating outings, Freedom Waters Foundation is offering a public fundraiser at Landshark Bar & Grill at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands. Set for September 4, the evening includes food, beverages and entertainment. Cost is $125 per person.
“Details are in the final planning stages but the September 4 event promises to be full-on Margaritaville,” said Debra Frenkel, founder and chief operating officer of the organization based in Naples, Fla. “We continue to spread the word about the program and therapeutic on-the-water experiences for children and adults with disabilities and veterans. Creating this community fundraiser will assist us in funding a part time position to offer more boat outings on Lake Lanier throughout the boating season and further educate the public about how much difference these experiences make in the lives of the people we serve.”
Saturday’s boating day will focus on veterans and their families; on Sunday, children and adults with serious illnesses/disabilities and their families will be hosted for boat rides. On both days, Port Royale Marina and various sponsors will provide lunch and entertainment for the participants, guests, boat owners and volunteers.
“Our Weller Days Boat outings on Lake Lanier are always so rewarding, not only for the families of people with disabilities and veterans, but because of the abundant support and participation of our many boat owners and volunteers,” said Frenkel. “I continue to be overwhelmed by the kindness and willingness of the boaters on Lake Lanier for giving their time to help others enjoy an experience on the water.”
Frenkel is asking for additional volunteers and boat owners to sign up in anticipation of a large number of participants. Generally, nearly 800 people take part in the two-day event.
“This event on Lake Lanier would not be possible without our generous volunteers,” she said. “And I continue to be overwhelmed and so grateful for the generosity of Doug Traina, owner of Port Royale Marina, his entire staff, and all the boat owners and volunteers who show up to share freedom and joy on and off the water for so many who might not otherwise have such an opportunity.”
To volunteer a boat or your time, to provide sponsorship support, or for questions about the Port Royale Mariana/Freedom Waters Foundation’s event, contact the organization through its website: www.freedomwatersfoundation.org or call 239 -263-2377. The website will also have information about how to purchase tickets for the September 4 fundraising event.
Photo: courtesy Freedom Waters Foundation
