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 Fort Pierce Yacht Club |
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The Fort Pierce Yacht Club Foundation, Inc. ("Foundation”) was organized in 2019 as the charitable arm of the Fort Pierce Yacht Club. A 501(c)(3) charity, the FPYC Foundation has as its purpose:
a. stewardship of the Indian River Lagoon through the financial support of scholarship programs to conduct marine sciences and related research; activities and programs directed toward “clean water"; and programs directed toward the improvement of the water's recreational value; and
b. operation of activities and programs which further the understanding and knowledge of sailing, boating, and the use of watercraft of all types
c. programs which support the Fort Pierce Yacht Club’s community mission
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Charitable ContributionsWhy we do what we do... |
FPYC Foundation: 2026 |
In the spring of 2026, the FPYC Foundation, the charitable arm of the Fort Pierce Yacht Club, raised $47,000 through its annual Members Giving Campaign. Thanks to the generosity of FPYC members, local summer programs serving children and youth, as well as programs unique to the Fort Pierce community, received meaningful support. $40,000 was distributed in May to recipients listed here. While the FPYC Foundation may not cover the full cost of every program, it provides essential support by helping community partners create meaningful summer experiences. These programs are examples of how FPYC members, through the Foundation, are making a positive impact in Fort Pierce. Together, these programs show the lasting impact of FPYC members’ generosity. From sailing and swimming to environmental education, the arts, youth mentoring, and cultural preservation, the FPYC Foundation’s support helped create meaningful summer experiences across Fort Pierce. Most importantly, it strengthened the partnerships that make our community stronger—one child, one program, and one shared opportunity at a time. To view our photo gallery from the Fort Pierce Yacht Club Foundation's Award evening,please click HERE |
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Treasure Coast Youth Sailing Foundation by Forest Blanton The Treasure Coast Youth Sailing Foundation completed its seven-week summer sailing camp on July 31. Over those seven weeks, the camp hosted about 100 student attendees from across St. Lucie County. Students learned the basics of reading the wind, rigging and adjusting sails, safety and capsize recovery, sailboat racing, teamwork, and leadership. The TCYSF received $11,500 in May from the FPYC Foundation, (Included was $5,000 for the FPPD Courageous Kids Program) and recently received two additional donations from the FPYC Foundation, bringing the total to $12,720.26. The Treasure Coast Youth Sailing Foundation has trained youth sailors for 19 years at its sailing center at Jaycee Park in Fort Pierce. We are grateful for the support we receive from the community, including the City of Fort Pierce, the Fort Pierce Yacht Club, the Fort Pierce Yacht Club Foundation, Courageous Kids, the Fort Pierce Police Department, and our many volunteers. |
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| Stella Maris Environmental Research Summer Program by Ashley Britt Chelberg The Fort Pierce Yacht Club Foundation’s 2026 $5,000 grant made a meaningful contribution to Wesley’s Island Eco Camp by helping expand opportunities for youth while investing in the next generation of environmental leaders. This summer, campers explored the Indian River Lagoon through hands-on marine science, learning by doing rather than merely observing. Participants conducted scientific investigations, seined for marine life, paddleboarded and snorkeled local waters, explored barrier island habitats, and discovered the incredible diversity of Florida’s coastal ecosystems. Throughout the summer, campers encountered bonnethead sharks, juvenile sea turtles, seahorses, spotted eagle rays, sea stars, mantis shrimp, lightning whelks, and many other fascinating marine species. The FPYC Foundation’s support specifically helped strengthen three key areas of our program: 1. Internship Development & Mentorship - The Foundation’s investment helped expand our internship development program by providing meaningful training and field experience for four summer interns. 2. Camp Scholarships - Grant funding helped provide financial assistance so youth who might not otherwise have had the opportunity could participate in Wesley’s Island Eco Camp and experience immersive marine science and outdoor education. 3. Water Safety - Funding also supported water safety instruction and equipment, enabling campers to safely participate in lagoon-based activities including paddleboarding, snorkeling, and field exploration. The Fort Pierce Yacht Club Foundation's investment extends far beyone a single summer. By supporting youth education, developing future conservation leaders, and increasing access to hands-on environmental experiences, the Foundation is helping inspire the next generation of scientists and stewards of the Indian River. |
Boys & Girls Clubs by Gaby Simpson Thanks to the generous support of the Fort Pierce Yacht Club Foundation, 47 Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County members, ages 6 to 16, participated in St. Lucie County’s swimming program this summer. Through 140 recorded lesson visits, youth from the Chuck Hill, Infinity, Garden Terrace, and Percy Peek Clubhouses strengthened essential water-safety skills, including floating, kicking, safe pool entry and exit, and beginner swim strokes, while becoming more confident and comfortable in the water. For the second consecutive year, teens were intentionally included, ensuring older youth also had access to potentially lifesaving instruction. The Foundation’s support transformed the pool into a place where young people could build skills, discover confidence, and experience the joy of swimming. |
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| Project LIFT - Fort Pierce FPYC helped sponsor the 2026 Project Lift Great American Raft Race on Thursday, July 30. Past Commodore Forest Blanton placed second in the adult races, and everyone enjoyed a fun and successful day on the water. Special thanks go to Past Commodores Charlie Hayek and Forest Blanton for helping bring FPYC into this event when it first began several years ago. We also extend our appreciation to Rashard Alston of Project Lift for organizing such a successful day, and to the Fort Pierce Police Department for its outstanding support of this community event. |
Courageous Kids by Lt. John Fasanello FPPD The Fort Pierce Police Department is extremely grateful for the continued support of the Fort Pierce Yacht Club. Courageous Kids and RICH House participants had an amazing time this summer sailing with the Treasure Coast Youth Sailing Foundation. Throughout the program, many of these children learned valuable skills both on and off the water that they may never have had the opportunity to experience without the generous scholarships provided by the Fort Pierce Yacht Club Foundation. The impact of this partnership was evident each day, as the kids continuously shared how much fun they were having and how excited they were about their new sailing skills. Their smiles, confidence, and enthusiasm throughout the program made this summer an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. |
Mandral Gibson, Lead Community Service Officer with the FPPD, was instrumental to the success of this year's Courageous Kids sailing adventure. |
| E.N.D. It by Sonia and Skip Dupree This summer, E.N.D. It (Everybody’s Not Doing It) served 44 middle and high school students through its eight-week Teen Arts-Based Summer Experience. The program combines performing arts, visual arts, life skills, leadership development, and prevention education to help young people build confidence, character, and positive decision-making skills. The summer culminated in two performances of Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. at the McAlpin Fine Arts Center, where nearly 600 community members came out to celebrate and support the students’ hard work. Community partnerships, including support from organizations such as the Fort Pierce Yacht Club, play an important role in making these life-changing opportunities possible for local youth. |
Highwaymen Museum by Doretha Hair Truesdell This summer has been a season of extraordinary momentum, inspiration, and growing national recognition for the City of Fort Pierce Florida Highwaymen Museum. As visitors from across the nation walked through our doors, they discovered not only the breathtaking artwork of the Florida Highwaymen, but also the powerful story of perseverance, creativity, and determination that forever changed Florida’s cultural landscape. One of the defining moments of the season was a visit from PBS, whose interest in sharing the Museum’s story affirms that the legacy of the Florida Highwaymen continues to inspire audiences far beyond our community. The Museum was also selected as a featured stop on the America 250 Road Trip. Equally inspiring has been the steadfast partnership of the Fort Pierce Yacht Club Foundation, whose generosity has made a meaningful and lasting difference in the Museum’s growth. Its support has strengthened our ability to educate, preserve, and celebrate this uniquely American story while creating unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages. Together, these partnerships - including the City of Fort Pierce and the Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency, are ensuring that the legacy of the Florida Highwaymen is not only remembered but continues to inspire future generations. This summer has demonstrated what is possible when a community comes together to honor its history, invest in its culture, and believe in the power of art to transform lives. The City of Fort Pierce Florida Highwaymen Museum is deeply grateful to the Fort Pierce Yacht Club and the Fort Pierce Yacht Club Foundation for their support. Their commitment to the community continues to make a meaningful impact. |
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FPYC Foundation: 2025 |
The Fort Pierce Yacht Club Foundation Board of Trustees presented checks to local Fort Pierce organizations during the Fort Pierce Yacht Club Foundations 2025 Awards Ceremony on May 6th, 2025. The Fort Pierce Yacht Club (FPYC) was established in 1980 as an ALL VOLUNTEER organization. There are no paid staff members, all the work is done by volunteer members. The FPYC Foundation was established in 2019 as the charitable arm of the FPYC. This year, through the Foundation’s Poker Run on the Water charity fundraiser held in April and the Members Giving Campaign, a total of $41,500 was raised, an increase from last year’s $25,000. These funds directly benefit local nonprofits with missions focused on youth development, water-related initiatives, and preserving the unique and historical character of the area.
FPYC Foundation Chairperson Robynn Holland addresses the 2025 recipients and members of the FPYC during the Fort Pierce Yacht Club Foundations 2025 Awards Ceremony on May 6th, 2025. | The Fort Pierce Yacht Club Foundation recognized several outstanding organizations in our community during the awards ceremony. 1. Boys and Girls Club of St. Lucie County - providing swimming lessons to individuals who participate in clubs located in Fort Pierce 2. E.N.D. IT! - supporting arts-based after-school and summer camp for middle and high school students to prevent at-risk behaviors in pre-teens and teens. 3. Florida Atlantic University, Harbor Branch - providing support to Semester by the Sea, in memory of Dr. Dennis Hanisak 4. Fort Pierce Police Department Courageous Kids Program - providing support and guidance for the youth of the community 5. Fort Pierce Police Department Explorers Program - providing area youth with a practical hands-on approach to experience law enforcement career possibilities 6. Manatee Center - dedicated to environmental awareness and education of the Indian River Lagoon 7. Notre Dame Catholic Church Food Kitchen - providing meals for those in need in the community 8. Original Florida Highwaymen Museum - celebrating the unique landscape artists of the Lincoln Park area of Fort Pierce 9. Project LIFT, Fort Pierce - rebuilding the lives of young men and women 10. Treasure Coast Youth Sailing Foundation - providing scholarships for summer sailing camps that teach valuable life skills as well as boating skills, and supports the general TCYSF program 11. Stella Maris Environmental Research’s Wesley Island Eco Camp - providing youth in Fort Pierce an opportunity to spend time on the water and learn about the eco system of the Indian River Lagoon 12. Joint Award: Fort Pierce Police Department Courageous Kids Program and the Treasure Coast Youth Sailing Foundation - a collaborative effort to provide sailing opportunities and life changing experiences on the water |
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Two major undertakings by the Fort Pierce Yacht Club Foundation are:CHART YOUR COURSE and the POKER RUN on the WATER |
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CHART YOUR COURSE, A Maritime and Marine Industry Career Expo February 2025 |
CHART YOUR COURSE, a Maritime and Marine Career Expo for 103 St. Lucie Public School students and 12 Project LIFT students, is an event hosted by the Fort Pierce Yacht Club Foundation. A collaborative effort by many industry individuals who generously share their knowledge and skills in specific fields and provide a positive attitude which is exactly what made our first event in 2023 a resounding success. In 2025, seventeen businesses, large and small, all from Fort Pierce and St. Lucie County were on hand to talk with the students about who they are, what they do, the types of jobs their company offer, and the wide range of educational experience required - from none to master’s and doctoral degrees - and, equally important, the attitudes they need to bring to the workplace. Through demonstrations, presentations, exhibits and old-fashioned face-to-face conversation, the students learned a lot. They engaged with an underwater diver (in a 1500-gallon mobile training tank), an independent charter captain, US Customs Border Protection officers on their vessel, and representatives from trade and higher education schools to name just a few. We also had 40+ volunteers from the Fort Pierce Yacht Club to provide the helping hands needed for the coordination of the event. |
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The key to this all coming together for the students was in the panel discussion focus, “How to Get There.” Discussed was the educational path of what courses the students need to take and the schooling options necessary, if any. Moderated by Joshua Revord, the Director of the Department of Port, Inlet & Ports for St. Lucie County, the panel included Captain Don Welch, an instructor from Chapman School of Seamanship; Ken Griffin, President of Underwater Engineering Services, Inc.; and Second Class Petty Officer Jacob Snyder from the US Coast Guard. The panel discussion, along with supportive handouts from the participants, gave the students the tools to discover the right career path that can help them achieve the goal of getting their dream job.
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Thank you to all our 2025 sponsors!Sponsors of the 2025 Chart Your Course include Fort Pierce Yacht Club, Robynn and Steve Holland, Project Lift , Kathy and Forest Blanton, City of Fort Pierce, Fort Pierce City Marina, Ginny and Bob Harbison, Ruth and Steve Jaroski, Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast, Kris and Carl Muus, Laurie Partlo, St. Lucie Public Schools, UPS Store #4314 St. James Place – Jason Hendry, Anonymous, Bowman Consulting, FPUA, Diane and Mitch Korbey, Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice, Shearwater Marine FL, Underwater Engineering Services, Inc., Wawa, Jean Ellen Wilson, Suzy and Doug Wroten. Additionally, the day would not be possible without the 40+ volunteers from the Fort Pierce Yacht Club. |
Thank you to all our 2025 participants! |
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Chart Your Course:A Marine and Maritime Career Expo2026Coming Soon! |
| Sponsorship opportunities are now available for the 2026 Chart Your Course: a Marine and Maritime Career Expo. For additional information or to discuss sponsorship options, please contact us via EMAIL. |
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This video about the 2025 Chart Your Course was created by the St. Lucie Public Schools. |
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| 2025 FORT PIERCE POKER RUN ON THE WATER ~ Saturday, April 12, 2025 ~ |
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The 7th Annual Charity On the Water Poker Run The FPYC Foundation Charity On the Water Poker Run was held on Saturday, April 12, 2025. This year's committee included VC House Suzi Boardman, VC Building & Grounds Bob Harbison, Ginny Harbison, Chris Hector, FPYC Foundation Chairperson Robynn Holland, Michele March, Kris Muus, Laura Partlo, and VC Fleet Victoria Westphal. They all did a fantastic job of the organization and execution of this fun event. |
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|  We especially thank our SPONSORS for making the Poker Run on the Water a success! Event Sponsor: Island Pig & Fish, Island Burger & Shake, Hutchinson Island Bar & Grill Grand Prize Sponsor: Pursuit Boats Straight Flush: Robynn & Steve Holland, UPS Store #4314, Laurie Partlo Four of a Kind: Fort Pierce City Marina, Southern Castles, Susan Garrett, Ruth & Steve Jaroski Full House: Carefree Boat Club, Donna Sells Houses, Shearwater Marine & Industrial, Vivian Chaunu & Clay Benjamin, Causeway Cove Marina, Ginny & Bob Harbison, Fort Pierce Sportfishing Club, Suzy & Doug Wroten, Kris & Carl Muus And of course, a hardy thank you to all the volunteers and participants!!
Our 2025 Winners: Best Hand (sponsored by Pursuit Boats) - Doug Wroten 2nd Best Hand - Laurie Partlo 3rd Best Hand - Suzy Wroten Worst Hand - Trish Honaski Best Decorated/Themed Boat - Fort Pierce Navy, Captained by Doug Wroten & crew Best Decorated/Themed Dock - Adele & Jeff Usher at the Fort Pierce City Marina A huge congratulations to all our winners and a big THANK YOU to everyone who brought energy, creativity, and fun to the event! To view all the photos from the Poker Run on the Water, visit our Photo Page. |
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IDRC Graduate Student Testimonial - EmilyAloha from Emily Rutkowski, an Indian River State College Graduate and scholarship recipient from the Fort Pierce Yacht Club Foundation's 2nd Annual On the Water Poker Run. Emily spent the summer of 2019 at FAU's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute for their summer internship program to study suberites aurantiacus (you'll have to watch the video for more!). Her experience at the summer internship led her to her position at the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology where she recorded this video for us. "I would like thank everyone in the Fort Pierce Yacht Club for their help and support. I wouldn't have been able to do it without you. And as you can see, you're not just helping the community, you're helping the world." - Emily Rutkowski |
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For more information, contact the Chairperson of the Fort Pierce Yacht Club Foundation by clicking HERE. |
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