Page 48 - August 2017

Sailors unite for welfare delight
Gold Star Regatta raises money for families of fallen officers
n PHOTOS BY JAMES PINTO
When sailing and law enforcement combine for an event that gives back to first responders, there’s a good chance that Marlon Harvey, President of the Chicago Po- lice and Sailing Association, has something to do with it. This was the case at the first annual Gold Star Regatta charity event, organized by former Lodge 7 Trustee Har- vey to raise money and awareness for families of Chicago officers lost in the line of duty.
On July 29, sailing enthusiasts, families and friends gathered at the Jackson Park Yacht Club for the regatta. The event had all the elements of success, including nice weather, great supporters and important beneficiaries including the Brotherhood for the Fallen, Chicago Police Memorial Foundation and the 100 Club of Chicago. Mem- bers of the CPD Pipes and Drums even played from the bow of a yacht cruising around the marina.
All that was missing from the Gold Star Regatta was the regatta; due to wind and choppy waters causing danger- ous conditions, the race had to be postponed.
“Considering the boats didn’t race, it was still a solid turnout,” shared Chelsea Barras, the marketing and com- munications manager of the 100 Club of Chicago which helped organize the event along with the other nonprofit organizations.
But even though the regatta was canceled, that didn’t
stop the party from going on, as families gathered on the Yacht Club’s outdoor patio to enjoy food trucks, drinks, music, games and even pirate storytelling for the kids. Members of the Coast Guard also attended and shared safety and knot tying lessons with the party.
The event raised more than $4,000 to benefit the par- ticipating organizations that support families of the fall- en. Harvey and other club board members, including 96-year-old Tuskegee Airman Jack Lyle, also took out two Chicago Police and Sailing Association sailboats, “Maggie Marie” and “Simple Justice” for a ride around the marina. d
Members of the Chicago Police and Sailing Association who hosted the rst annual Gold Star Regatta stand on board “Maggie Marie” at the Jackson Park Yacht Club.
48 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ AUGUST 2017
Beyondthe Beat