FCCF MAKES SMOOTH SAILING POSSIBLE FOR LOCAL KIDS

Bridgeport, CT, 16 March 2009 – The Fairfield County Community Foundation continued its commitment to Bridgeport youth today when it announced that it would provide $15,000 in funding for more than 150 area children this summer to attend the Connecticut Community Boating, Inc Junior Program at Seaside Park in Bridgeport.

The grant making organization has shown its continued support for the newly established community sailing program over the last two years that is dedicated providing every child with an opportunity to sail in their home waters of Bridgeport regardless of ability to pay.

Capt. Chris German, executive director for CCB, believes that the support FCCF has provided makes possible the rapid growth and success CCB has seen in recent months. “With a fleet now of more than fifty boats and the support FCCF,” says German, “ we are well on our way to reaching our goal. (Getting 600 kids on the water this summer who would otherwise never get the chance to learn about and enjoy the sport of sailing and Long Island Sound). If FCCF wasn’t on board we’d never be able to do what we do”

CCB is set to kick off its third season at Seaside Park this summer where they plan to rebuild the abandoned public docking facility on the North side of the peninsula as well put to use several fleets of donated vessels including a 26’ sloop, three Rainbow 24s, a fleet of 18 kayaks from Kayak for a Cause in Norwalk and the Shehan Center’s fleet of 8 Optimist Sailing dinghies. The not-for-profit program relies entirely on funding from private sources like the Fairfield County Community Foundation to fund the costs associated with teaching children to sail.

The Fairfield County Community Foundation promotes the growth of community and regional philanthropy to improve the quality of life throughout Fairfield County. Individuals, families, corporations and organizations can establish charitable funds and contribute to existing funds. The Foundation also provides philanthropic advisory services, and develops and leads initiatives to tackle critical community issues. It is in compliance with the Council of Foundations’ national standards for community foundations. The Foundations has awarded over $100 million in grants to non-profits in Fairfield County and beyond.

For more information about FCCF, please visit www.fccfoundation.org or go to www.ctcommunityboating.org for more information and links to the FCCF website..

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