About Winds of Change at Clearwater Community Sailing Center
Winds of Change event is an annual fundraiser for Clearwater Community Sailing Center. With your support – as well as local individuals, businesses, and foundations – we can provide free sailing instruction for children of Pinellas County. You are making a difference in young people’s lives that will endure a lifetime, now more than ever. This year we are working on an event to raise funds to scholarship several kids through summer camp and year round sailing lessons at CCSC. We are currently trying to accommodate families from Hope Villages in St. Pete and the Grace House in Clearwater, Florida Sherriff Youth Ranches, City of Clearwater, SailFuture and additional organizations. Offering these children an opportunity to experience the outdoors while learning a life skill on many levels.
This event has several elements to make it successful and reach as many individuals as possible, these include:
3rd Annual Boat Parade
Saturday, April 20th 10am EST Start Time (Weather Dependent)
CCSC to showcase Floating Pop & Street Art in Clearwater Beach Spring of 2024. CCSC has partnered again this year with Brian McAllister, Pinellas County Center for the Arts @ Gibbs High School & Gibbs Mural Club Advisor and his students who are Local Pop & Street Artists. They will be showcasing their artistic talents promoting values of; inclusion and promoting respect and appreciation for oneself, others, society via sail art expression in our beautiful natural coastal environment.
The students have painted 9 Opti Sails that will be used to connect Art, Inclusion and Sailing. CCSC will use the Opti boats with the 9 Pop & Street Sail Art, to create a floating art boat parade around Clearwater to display the students' works.
This years Winds of Change Boat Parade Route will be announced shortly.
3rd Annual Winds of Change Night Event
Saturday, April 27th CCSC will host the ‘Winds of Change’ Fundraiser with this year's theme being 'Mystic Creatures of the Deep". The Clearwater Community Sailing Center (CCSC) is thrilled to announce Julie Williams, acclaimed singer-songwriter and a beacon of inspiration in Nashville's country music scene, as the Guest of Honor for the upcoming Winds of Change event on Saturday, April 27th. The event, known for championing inclusivity and community through sailing, will feature Williams not only in a celebratory capacity but also as an eager participant in a special sailing lesson with Mateo Rodriguez, esteemed FSU graduate and CCSC Coach, on Friday, April 26th.
Julie Williams, celebrated for her heartfelt and resonant music that addresses themes of self-love and acceptance, has rapidly ascended the ranks of Nashville's country music scene. As a CMT Next Women of Country artist, a member of the Black Opry Revue, and an ACM OnRamp artist, Williams has captivated audiences nationwide with her powerful storytelling and melodious artistry. Her work, including the poignant single "Southern Curls," has garnered attention from major outlets like Billboard, CMT, and PBS NewsHour, earning her a spot in Wide Open Country’s list of "10 Country Acts Poised for a Breakout Year in 2023."
This year's Painted Sails will be on full display. The band CocoRed & Nicaea will entertain as guests dine and bid on Auction items. Funds will go directly to CCSC to expand sailing opportunities including summer camp scholarships and other activities that make sailing more accessible to the community.
Fundraising Opportunity
Prior to the April 27th event, we are hoping to count on your Sponsorship support for the kick-off event and share ways to support CCSC year-round. Beyond the events ticket sales, food/beverage sales and live auction, we are hoping for a new audience, to bring new wind to the sailing center. This is a wonderful time to create ‘Winds of Change’ for those who are not aware of CCSC 501(c)(3) status and commitment to our Clearwater community.
Awareness
During the night event the theme will be around how opening the doors & experiences can affect children’s life choices. There will be several speakers lined up the night of the event to share their experiences of how we all can ignite Winds of Change.
Partnership
CCSC will work to strengthen relationships within the community by partnering with local organizations to provide these campers with the best experiences. Can we count on you?
Winds of Change Chairperson
Jeffery Parke- CCSC Board President
Guest of Honor
Julie Williams -CMT Next Women of Country artist, a member of the Black Opry Revue, and an ACM OnRamp artist
Winds of Change Creator
Elizabeth McConnell
Advocacy Chairperson
Nicole Schuster
Outreach Chairperson
Nick Dovbniak
Boat Parade Chairperson
Steve McNally - CCSC Board Member
Volunteer Chairperson
Kristie Townsend
Why sponsor CCSC?
- Clearwater Community Sailing Center is successfully reaching into the local community and building confidence and character through our free sailing instruction.
- CCSC seeks to eliminate financial and other demographic barriers that would prevent most kids from learning to sail.
- Our sailors reflect the diversity of the larger community as we successfully reach an increasing number of Hispanic and African American students through the local schools and local programs.
- CCSC continues to establish and cultivate synergistic collaborations with area agencies such as Haven, Hope Villages, Grace House and Salvation Army in greater Clearwater area
- CCSC relies entirely on private funding from individual donors, and the Winds of Change annual event is poised to become a major source of outreach expansion.
- This is a fun way to support our mission and make a lasting difference in the lives of our local youth.
CCSC Volunteer Form (pdf)
Winds of Change Sponsorship