VERO BEACH — Youth Sailing Foundation Founder Charlie Pope and Director Chris Pope recently accepted a check for $18,090 from the Wheels & Keels Foundation of Vero Beach in support of YSF’s sailing programs that offer free instruction to the children of Indian River County.
Wheels & Keels President Gavin Ruotolo conceived and founded the annual fundraising event in 2011 to benefit YSF. Over the years it has expanded in scope and mission and now contributes to three other local non-profits as well.
Held every April at the Moorings Yacht and Country Club, Wheels & Keels features a Friday evening dinner and auction, followed the next day with a vintage car and boat show.
Youth Sailing Foundation participates in the event, not only by displaying their Opti and 420 Class dinghies, but with actual sailing demonstrations in the cove by their young sailors, who then circulate among the patrons, regaling them with their sea stories from the Indian River Lagoon.
Mark your calendars now to attend next year’s Wheels & Keels weekend, April 12-13, 2019. All proceeds are donated back to the Vero Beach community, benefitting Youth Sailing Foundation and other local organizations.
