BCMS Adaptive Sailing Program Receives $2,500 CVS Caremark Community Grant
BCMS announced today that it has received a $2,500 CVS Caremark Community Grant. The money will go towards the purchase of a third adaptive sailing boat to expand the Erie Adaptive Sailing Experience (EASE) program, the only adaptive sailing program in the state of Pennsylvania.
Now in its tenth year, EASE enriches the lives of children and adults with disabilities by providing sailing instruction on Presque Isle Bay. EASE participants enjoy the adventure and fun of sailing while gaining enhanced independence, increased self-esteem and personal growth. In the summer of 2009, more than 100 youth participated in EASE, and 17 volunteers dedicated more than 1,020 hours of their time. Many of the students come from the Dr. Gertrude Barber Center and the Erie Shriners Hospital for Children.
BCMS Board President and EASE Volunteer, Bren Lindell, with a young sailor from the Erie Shriners Hospital for Children.
“By adding a third boat, more participants can sail with EASE and each can spend a greater amount of time on the water,” said BCMS Executive Director, Rich Eisenberg. “The goal of EASE isn’t just to give kids sail boat rides, but to teach them to sail so that they feel the sense of accomplishment that comes with learning a new skill.”
To help in the purchase of a third EASE boat, visit the Support BCMS page.
EASE gives participants the opportunity to overcome the constraints of their disabilities.
“CVS Caremark Community Grants are an effective way for us to contribute to the success of communities where we do business,” said Jennifer Veilleux, Director of CVS Caremark Corporation. “We are proud to support the work that BCMS does in the community.”
BCMS Maritime Instructor Kyle Rectenwald showing an EASE student the joy of sailing.
The CVS Caremark Community Grant to BCMS is part of CVS Caremark’s commitment to its communities throughout the country. BCMS was selected to receive a grant through the CVS Caremark Community Grants 2009 grant application process. Grants were awarded to organizations that share a common vision with CVS Caremark’s All Kids Can program, which strives to make life easier for children with disabilities. The goal of the program is to create more inclusive environments for children with and without disabilities to build self-esteem, lasting friendships and social skills, and to help children without disabilities learn diversity and tolerance.
“CVS Caremark is committed to helping children with disabilities learn, play and succeed in life,” said Mike Talbot, CVS/Pharmacy Area Vice President for Erie. “Through this grant, we are proud to be able to help make an impact on the lives of children in the Erie community.”
