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PHILANTHROPY

At Southwestern Yacht Club, philanthropy is central to our mission. Membership here means joining a community that values compassion, generosity, and making a difference.

For over a decade, SWYC has proudly supported ElderHelp, a vital organization empowering San Diego’s seniors to live independently with dignity. ElderHelp's dedicated staff and 350+ volunteers ensure that 84 cents of every dollar directly benefits seniors, earning them a top 4-star rating from CharityNavigator.org. We also support Captain Rollo's Kids at Sea as a SWYC Anglers Tournament beneficiary. Captain Rollo's Kids at Sea provides opportunities for groups of kids to experience a day on the water and learn about fishing, ecosystems and marine life first hand. 

The Southwestern Junior Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, is dedicated to enriching San Diego County youth through boating and sailing education. Comprising both members and non-members of SWYC, the foundation offers grants to high school and college sailing teams, supports Friends of Rollo and Sea Scouts, and funds scholarships for children needing financial assistance for angling and sailing programs. Learn more about our philanthropic efforts below. 



BENEFIT ON THE BAY

Our Benefit on the Bay events, which began with the Charity Bay Race in 1984, have expanded to include the Anglers’ Bottom Fishing Tournament and the Beacon of Light Fundraiser, collectively raising over $1 million for local charities. Throughout the year, we also integrate fundraising opportunities into various Club activities.

This year, we are hosting three major fundraising events as part of our Benefit on the Bay campaign.

BENEFIT ON THE BAY DONATION FORM

Bottom Fishing Tournament and Fish Dinner

The Bottom Fishing Tournament and Fish Dinner is led by the SWYC Anglers on April 26th, 2025. The Bottom Fishing Tournament, first held in February 1971, began as a ‘winter tournament’ to boost off-season activity and quickly became an annual tradition at SWYC. This year, the tournament kicks off on April 26th, 2025, featuring categories for men, women, juniors, and smallfry. With a $75 entry fee for adults and $25 for juniors (16 and under), participants enjoy breakfast, a day of fishing, and a Mexican Fiesta Banquet with auctions and raffles. Over the years, the tournament has evolved into a key part of SWYC’s Benefit on the Bay, supporting charities like Friends of Rollo and ElderHelp.

Charity Bay Race

The Charity Bay Race sponsored by Sail Fleet on June 22nd, 2025. Since 1984, SWYC’s Charity Bay Race has been a highlight of our annual events. This year, the excitement kicks off with a Buy-Up Buy-Down party on Friday, followed by the Charity Bay Race and Awards Party on Sunday, June 22nd, 2025. As one of the nation’s largest charity regattas, the race covers a challenging 10-mile course around San Diego Bay, open to all yacht classes. The entry fee includes two BBQ and Awards tickets, with additional tickets available for $25 each. Benefiting ElderHelp of San Diego, the race is a key part of SWYC’s Benefit on the Bay!

Beacon of Light Party

The Beacon of Light Party, established in 2016, returns on Saturday, October 25th, 2025, in support of ElderHelp of San Diego. Last year’s event featured cocktails, heavy hors d'oeuvres, music and lively auctions with items like private chef experiences, Lake Tahoe getaways, and exclusive tours. Reservations are required, and all proceeds benefit ElderHelp. Thank you to our generous members—your support makes a difference!

By supporting Beacon of Light, you are supporting ElderHelp - by becoming a sponsor, adopting a senior, or attending our events, you help bring hope and care to our community’s seniors. Every contribution, big or small, makes a significant impact. We are truly grateful for your generosity. Together, we can create a brighter future for our seniors and make a lasting difference in our community.

Contributors
Benefit on the Bay Gratefully Acknowledges our Official Sponsors

Receive the heartfelt thanks of more than 900 seniors living independently and with dignity by supporting our club-wide fundraiser benefiting ElderHelp of San Diego. 

Thank You Sponsors!

DIAMOND SPONSORS
Commodore John & Sue Robey
Drs. Jerry & Lynn Legerton
S/C Chris Brzezinski & Angie Bartosik
 
PLATINUM BEACON SPONSORS
Ernie & Paige Anderson
V/C Mark & Linda Pearcy
Cathy Lonergan - in Honor of Jim Lonergan
Mathew & Sheri Gates
 
GOLD LANTERN SPONSORS
Michael & Carrie Goldstein
R/C John & Charity Goodrich
Bernadette Daly Swanson
George & Gillian Percy - in Honor of Jerry Cope
Mari-Cris & Thomas Armstrong
Charles & Mary Sholtis
R/C Allan Bombard, MD & P/C Paula Vance
 
SILVER LIGHTHOUSE SPONSORS
Pat Hansen
Sean Berry
Alice Ana & James Ward
S/C Russ & Veola Cornelius
Steve & Kelly Bloom
Mike & Helga Riddle
Tony & Heather Evans
Director Tom & Lana Hammons
Richard & Frani Smith
Rocky & Cheryl Wilson
Marsha Mooradian Jenness
D Dock – Putt for ElderHelp
Larry & Susan Twomey
Debbie Hall
Nora Varner
Mary Ellen & Tom Ybarrola - in honor of Hal & Hazel Russell
Gerry & Mary O'Malley
Barbara Fryer
Brion & Barbara Murray
 
CORINTHIAN SPONSORS
Randy & Michelle Austin
Steve & Fran Greene
Keith Robertson
Joe & Hildy Mignone
Nancy & Bob Myernick
Natilee Meacham - in honor of Jerry Cope
Gary Jones & Marlene Martinez
Michael & Gloria Hardcastle-Taylor
Ron & Arlene Dixon
Maria & Jim Ring
Jan Bell
 
ADOPT A SENIOR
S/C Ryan Hunter
Don & Marjan Garber
Sue & Rich Herz
Linda Lynn
Kay Faulconer Boger
Jacques Naviaux & Michelle Lindwall
Director Kendra Olson
Brian & Karen Falterman
Bill & Cindy Roush
Jessica Colyer
Wade Bruffey
Weston Bruffey
Bonnie & Steve Mull
Per & Viveka Kjellgen
Joan Bach
Tara & Thomas Ritacco
Nora Varner
S/C John & Eileen Lower
Don & Ellen Freeman
Brian Chandler
Mary Ann Fallon
DONORS
Eric Huizar
Fred and Nancy Grant
Mike Fontaine
Jason Everett
Jody Flemming
Jim and Maria Ring
P/C Rorie and Jeffrey Ring
Melisa McCloskey
Miguel Martinez and Laurie Chambliss
Gloira and Mike Hardcastle-Taylor
Elyse Lowe
Scott Hagner and Nancine Belfiore
Renee and John Prentice
Patrick Twohig
Joni Shoemaker
Bob Ricciardi
Marjan and Don Garber
Bradley Hoag
Rick Ten Eyck
Director Susan Werner - In Memory of Shawn Barrera


TOURNAMENT BENEFICIARIES

Through various events, we raise funds to support vital causes, from helping individuals in need to fostering a love for fishing among children and adolescents. Our SWYC Anglers passionately support these initiatives, continuously striving to make a difference and welcoming new ideas that align with our mission.

One of our key initiatives is Captain Rollo’s Kids at Sea, which offers youth from all backgrounds—including those with special needs, school and church groups, inner-city programs, and clubs—the opportunity to experience a memorable day on the water. This program funds half-day fishing trips aboard Coast Guard-approved vessels at ports from San Diego to San Francisco, providing a safe and enriching experience for all participants.

Additionally, we proudly support ElderHelp, an organization that has advocated for San Diego’s older adults since 1973. ElderHelp is dedicated to assisting seniors in aging with dignity within their homes, fostering a stronger and more vibrant community that benefits citizens of all ages.

Captain Rollo's Kids at Sea

Captain Rollo's Kids at Sea welcomes all groups of kids to experience a day on the water. We serve groups of kids from all walks of life, including but not limited to; special needs, school groups, church groups, inner city, and club groups. Captain Rollo's Kids at Sea funds half day fishing trips on Coast Guard approved vessels at Ports from San Diego to San Francisco. 

For a variety of circumstances, many youngers are not afforded the opportunity to experience the wonders of being on the ocean learning about the ecosystems in our coastal waters. Enjoying a day on the water, feeling the ocean breeze, viewing marine life in its natural habitat, and experiencing the joy of fishing can truly broaden a child's horizons perhaps becoming a life-changing experience. We partner with other organizations to provide even more chances for kids to go fishing at various scheduled fresh and saltwater events. 

LEARN MORE
 

ElderHelp

Since 1973 ElderHelp has been an advocate for San Diego's older adults, believing that helping seniors age with dignity in their homes creates a stronger more vibrant community for citizens of all ages. 

Today, ElderHelp is an integral part of the spectrum of government, health care, and community based providers focused on providing long-term solutions for seniors struggling to navigate complex challenges. We're one of the only agencies solely focused on providing quality services and programs to help seniors age successfully in their own homes. SWYC Anglers are proud to have raised $26,000 for ElderHelp from our 2023 Bottom Fishing Tournament. 

LEARN MORE DONATE TODAY
 



Southwestern Junior Foundation

The Southwestern Junior Foundation is a separate 501C(3) tax exempt organization whose charitable activities are dedicated to furthering the education and development of the youth of San Diego County by providing boating and sailing opportunities and classes for children and teens. The Southwestern Junior Foundation is made up of non-members and members of Southwestern Yacht Club. The Southwestern Junior Foundation provides grants to high school and college sailing teams and supports Friends of Rollo and Sea Scouts. The Southwestern Junior Foundation is active in supporting the SWYC’s world-class Junior Program and provides scholarships for children in need of financial assistance for angling and sailing experience. 

Contact Jason Saiz for Scholarships & Donations

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