Yacht Chandlers customer appreciation party brought out the flappers and dappers for a roaring 20s speakeasy at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. PHOTOS/LUCY REED.…
By Dorie Cox
Fort Lauderdale-based Yacht Chandlers raised $19,000 for charity during the company’s annual boat show party in November.
Yacht captains, crew and business donated the money during an art auction, and the net proceeds were given to the Save Our Seas Foundation. The foundation provides research, conservation, and education worldwide with a focus on sharks and rays.
The foundation is passionate about delivering information, especially to the younger generation, said James James, general manager of Yacht Chandlers. One project caught James’ attention, the foundation’s printing of 10,000 copies of educational books in several languages on conservation topics, including the importance of storm drain maintenance for the health of ocean waters.
“This seemed cool to us, so we said, ‘How about we ship them for free?’ ” James said. “We’ve been supporting them for about 10 years.”
Yacht Chandlers also helps the foundation with staff and supplies.
“We donated our 34-foot boat, donated fuel, and did 34 trips with them,” James said. “Now the program has grown. We also help fund the local shark-tagging program, right here out the Port Everglades inlet with Nova Southeastern University.”
Dorie Cox is editor of The Triton. Photos below are by Thomas P. Peschak. Comments are welcome below.