EWE Spirit In Key West
We’ve got exciting news to share with you! The EWE Spirit Foundation will be in Key West with us for the first annual Southernmost Regatta and will be presenting the EWE Spirit Award to the sailor or volunteer who, over the course of the regatta, most “lives like EWE,” as detailed in the 11 Commandments of Sailing (https://www.ewespirit.org/ewe-commandments). Teams and individuals are also invited to join in the EWE Spirit in Key West fundraising competition.
Many of you knew Geoff Ewenson—and his booming laugh—and sailed with or against him. For years, he made the January pilgrimage south to race sailboats in Key West Race Week and run in the Key West 5K. Tragically, we lost him in October of 2020 at the young age of 50. To continue his legacy of sportsmanship, generosity and compassion, his family and friends started the EWE Spirit Foundation to help people facing immediate hardship bridge financial and social support gaps through mentorship, outreach, and financial assistance, thus creating a kind world where everyone has the resources and opportunity to live with dignity, hope and joy.
In its first year of operation, the foundation granted $115,000 to eight nonprofit organizations that provide everything from housing and food to childcare and job training. These include Sister Season, a Key West-based nonprofit that pays for rent and utilities for employees in the tourism & hospitality industry who are temporarily out of work through no fault of their own.
EWE Spirit in Key West is a peer-to-peer fundraising event that empowers supporters to help raise not only funds for the EWE Spirit Foundation, but also awareness about their important work around the country. The online platform they’re using is super flexible and easy to use. It handles all of the data collection and donation transactions. All you have to do is spread the word! By creating a personal campaign—as an individual or member of a team—you can add your own powerful voice and resources to the EWE Spirit movement. And, it’s lots of fun! Teams and individuals will compete for various badges throughout the fundraising period—and for the honors of top individual fundraiser and top team, which we know Geoff would love!
Fundraising is open now and will run through January 15. Register your boat, your family, or just yourself and fundraise away. And, keep an eye on the leaderboard! There are already some familiar faces there. It’s a competition where truly everybody wins.
To learn more about the EWE Spirit Foundation, go to EWE Spirit.org, and to register to fundraise, visit EWE Spirit in Key West.
