Sail for Hope Race Scheduled for October 12 - 2013

Proceeds to Benefit Wounded Warrior Project and Red Cross of RI Services to Armed Forces

ONLINE REGISTRATION

Sail Newport will host the 12th Annual Sail for Hope on Saturday, October 12. The race around Conanicut Island will start at 11 a.m. outside of Newport Harbor for PHRF and One-Design Classes. Proceeds from the event will benefit the American Red Cross Rhode Island Chapter and its Service to the Armed Forces program and the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP).

In the wake of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, a few local sailing enthusiasts scrambled to organize a regatta to honor and support those affected. The first Sail For Pride Regatta rallied more than 180 boats and raised $110,000 designated for charities to support the firefighters, police who responded to the attacks, as well as the victims of the attacks and their families.

The display of patriotism and generosity on and off the water made a lasting impression in the sailing community. After the inaugural year, the organizers retired the name Sail For Pride, but Sail Newport has continued the event as Sail For Hope, reflecting the Rhode Island state motto and aimed at supporting local charities. To date, more than $900,000 has been raised for a wide variety of charities.

This year’s regatta again supports the American Red Cross in Rhode Island and its Service to Armed Forces Program. Through this program, the Red Cross provides emergency communications between deployed service members and loved ones at home; connects military families with local community resources; provides access to emergency financial assistance; and offers resiliency, coping and reintegration education for members of the military and their families. Red Cross support of military members and their families improves service member morale and eases the stress of deployment for military families.

“We are grateful for the support of Sail Newport and Sail For Hope,” said American Red Cross Connecticut and Rhode Island Region CEO Mario Bruno, “the Red Cross was a significant part of the response to the terror attacks of 9-11. And Rhode Island Red Cross volunteers continue to support the emergency needs of Rhode Island military families.”

The WWP Rhode Island Chapter, led by Mike Holty, also has been a multi-year recipient of Sail for Hope donations. Its mission is to foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation's history. WWP enlists the public's aid for the needs of injured service members by providing programs and services. In addition, WWP helps injured service members aid to assist each other.

Donations can be dropped off in the form of checks made directly to either or both charities to Sail Newport, located at 60 Fort Adams Dr. in Fort Adams State Park, Newport, RI.

Donations will also be collected at the post race fundraising reception at the Newport Shipyard starting at 4:30 p.m.

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