Easter Seals Disability Services

13th Annual Cruise for Kids: Thanks for the Ride!

Boat owners and sponsors from throughout the Chesapeake region converged on Baltimore’s HarborView Marina for the 13th Annual Cruise for Kids and Captain’s Party, providing children with disabilities and their families a cruise on the Chesapeake Bay and raising funds to support Easter Seals services throughout the year. Record numbers of participants were involved in this year's event. Forty boaters were on hand to provide rides to 75 families of children with disabilities. After the sailing, families were treated to a picnic sponsored by Safeway Inc. Eastern Division. Additionally, a dozen Seniors from the Easter Seals Baltimore Adult Day Center attended the picnic, making this a truly inter-generational event.

The Cruise for Kids makes a powerful impact on everyone involved. For the children and families, the Easter Seals Cruise for Kids provides an experience they might otherwise not get to have. Juliette Rizzo, Ms. Wheelchair America 2005, was on deck to greet the children and families and thank boaters for their participation. “We know that the sport of boating can bring enormous physical, social and psychological benefits,” she said. “Easter Seals and these volunteer captains are providing a rare opportunity for children with disabilities to build confidence, friendships, skills, and abilities. When you’re out on a boat, you leave your disability at the dock.”

As in previous years, boaters developed strong bonds with the children and families who rode with them. One mother of a child with multiple disabilities told Easter Seals staff, "This is like DisneyWorld for our family!"

Richard Swirnow, owner of HarborView Marina and Yacht Club and an Easter Seals board member, encouraged all boat owners to participate in next year’s event. “This is a great opportunity to have a direct, powerful impact on our community and have fun at the same time,” he said. “You will make it possible for children with disabilities and their families to experience an exhilarating day at sea, and help Easter Seals raise funds to support the services these children need throughout the year.”

Thank you to the 2007 Cruise for Kids SPONSORS

Independent Sponsors
Richard Swirnow

Empowerment Sponsors
CVS/pharmacy
UBS Financial Services
Thomas C. Wertz

Opportunity Sponsors
Belfast Valley Contractors, Inc.
Century 21
H & S Bakery, Inc.
Hopkins Federal Savings Bank
Lubert Adler Management
Obrecht-Phoenix Contractors, Inc.
Safeway Inc. Eastern Division

Dignity Sponsors
Canam Steel Corporation
AMERIGROUP
Bernstein Investment Management
Charles A. Klein & Sons, Inc.
M&T Bank
Money One Federal Credit Union
Nelson PreFab Concrete, LLC
Residential Title & Escrow Co.

Ability Sponsors
 Jim Ancel
Action Business Systems
Jack Antwerpen
Aaro Jean Bell-Reid
Atwood Collins, III
John and Nancy Erickson
Jerry and Barbara Herson
Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.
Knauf Insulation
Dale Koepenik
Merrill Lynch Boca Raton, FL/Barry Yeckes
Next Car
Roman Company Inc.
Beth Roy/Harold Roy, Jr.
Janet and Jay Salkin
Tabrizi’s-Cuisine Mediterraneene
Trenton Property Services, Inc.
The Wackenhut Corporation
Bruce A. Wallick

Contact us to find out how you can get involved in next year's Cruise for Kids.