Charting the Course: Why Donors Invest in the CYC Foundation
October 29, 2025
by Megan McNichols Mahon
A twelve-year-old grips the tiller for the first time, eyes wide as the sail catches wind and the boat responds to her touch. It’s a moment of pure discovery––one that happened hundreds of times this past summer, thanks to the generosity of CYC Foundation donors who believe every Chicagoland child deserves to experience the magic of Lake Michigan. Together, we’re doing far more than teaching kids to sail and swim. We’re building confidence, fostering teamwork, creating mentorship relationships that stretch into young adulthood, and opening doors to maritime careers and STEM opportunities for youth ages 10-20.
And the momentum is building. This year, more than 3,000 Chicagoland children participated in Foundation-sponsored programs––nearly doubling last year’s reach. From sailing camps and swim lessons to STEM classes and Seadog excursions, children from across the city experienced the joys of Lake Michigan and a range of water-related activities.
“We have ambitious plans for 2026,” said Maggie Shea, CYC Foundation Executive Director. “We’re planning to expand programming to new locations beyond Monroe and Belmont because demand now exceeds our capacity––we have more kids interested in sailing and swimming than we have space for. We’re also creating experiences for our kids, especially in our swim program, that make participation easier and more seamless.”
The expansion goes beyond just numbers. Shea said that the Foundation is committed to building deeper, lasting connections with kids––supporting their academic success and future aspirations in addition to developing their water skills. A new tutoring program launching during the school year, along with after-school STEM classes, will keep children engaged with the Foundation year-round. And the Foundation’s InSPIRE scholarship program supports teens’ post-secondary education goals.
“The sky is the limit,” Shea said, “but reaching it requires significant financial support.”
What inspires that support? We asked several donors and here’s what they told us:
We’re inspired by how the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation opens doors for kids and young adults who might never have had the chance to experience life on the water. Sailing teaches confidence, teamwork, and respect––lessons that carry far beyond the dock. We’re proud to support a mission that helps the next generation discover their potential and the joy that comes from being on the water.
––Dena and Kurt Lentsch
I’m very excited about the work of the Foundation now. I didn’t donate for many years because I just didn’t get inspired by anything they were spending money on. Now I see a lot of change, and the Foundation is getting lots of kids into sailing in a smart way. Not just a ride on a boat, but with good follow-up and additional opportunities for kids who want more chances to be on the water or to learn about marine life and possibly even careers related to the marine world. The Foundation is supporting education and growing our sport at the same time. Even a small donation adds to the message that we support the work being done.
––Janet Baxter
A while back, we learned that many of Chicago’s youth have never seen Lake Michigan, let alone been in or on it. The unabashed joy of kids in the Foundation's sailing school and the Club’s own mission for community outreach made the Foundation, in our eyes, an easy and meaningful choice for financial and other support. Watching the infectious enthusiasm of Maggie, Francesca, Caroline and everyone else leading the Foundation has reconfirmed that over and over again.
––Carolyn and Eric Oesterle
George and I grew up on the waters of Lake Michigan, and that lifelong connection fuels our commitment to the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation. Helping more young people discover the joy, confidence, and community that come from time on the water is deeply important to us. Every time we walk into Belmont or Monroe, we see CYCF kids smiling, laughing, and learning––often experiencing the lake for the first time. Through CYCF, local youth gain access to opportunities they might not otherwise have: to relax, have fun, enjoy a healthy lunch, and learn about the incredible lake that has given us so much. That’s why we give—and why we hope you will too.
––Jennifer and George Dorsch
Supporting the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation means helping kids discover more than sailing––it’s about giving them confidence, connection, and a sense of purpose. We’re proud to be part of a community that’s opening new opportunities and inspiring the next generation to learn, grow and thrive on and off the water.
––Rose and Jeff Mills
Both of us grew up with access to the water and have built our social and recreational lives around water sports. Now we live in Chicago with access not only to the tremendous natural resource of Lake Michigan but also to the social and professional relationships we’ve developed at the Chicago Yacht Club. Nearly all of our best friends we’ve made through sailing or have met in some manner along the shores of Lake Michigan. The community at CYC has opened many opportunities for us, our family, and our friends. We support the Foundation to share this access to the water and to this community with all the children of Chicago. We especially appreciate our Foundation’s STEM approach at Chicago schools and the possibilities these events may inspire in children who didn’t realize they exist. We look forward to further chances to share our resources with all and will continue to support the CYC Foundation.
––Grace and Michael Gillian
Sailing, and more generally being on the water, has been an important part of my life since I was a child. I’m thankful to have been able to introduce my family to sailing. I think it’s tragic that so many of our fellow Chicagoans don’t have that experience, and we support the CYC Foundation because it helps introduce youth to sailing, Lake Michigan, and being on the water.
––Mike and Allison Frerker
As the Foundation’s Annual Appeal approaches, there’s never been a more impactful time to join this community of supporters. Donate now.