Dear Friends,
When we sailed into 2020, we were surrounded by beautiful skies, fair winds, and a lot of smiles. One of our best years ever was thrown off-course by the pandemic storm. We hope and pray that all of you are healthy and safe, and we arrive at a better place soon. To sail through this storm, we need to work together and help each other. We all could use a healthy dose of inspiration and innovation.
From the time 30 years ago when we started Shake-A-Leg until now, we have found our inspiration through the youth and adults with disabilities we serve. We have learned so much from them. They have become our teachers.
We know that people with disabilities and their families face innumerable challenges. They can become isolated in their homes even in normal times for lack of accessible places where they can go to have fun, make friends, and boost their confidence and skills to take on life’s challenges. We provide a setting for people with disabilities to learn equality with able-bodied peers. Shake-A-Leg Miami is the place to find a passion, find a purpose, and find a job.
So, as we find our way through this fog of uncertainty, I’d like to share some smiles and fun. Hopefully, you will find joy and positive energy during this unprecedented time. Once it passes, let’s go for a sail!
This is our community… this is our strength!
Looking ahead from the helm through the pandemic haze, we can see summer camp on the horizon. While unsure of the size and when it will start, we will be ready for all the kids eager to get out of their houses and into the water.
We are pleased to share that The Batchelor Foundation has provided a challenge grant that will match donations to ensure scholarships for Marine Academy Camp are available to eligible children. When the time is right, please consider joining the challenge – and joining us for a sail. We want to help everyone feel freedom again.
Thank you for your ongoing support. We look forward to staying in touch.
With warm regards,
Harry Horgan
P.S. Our staff is diligently working behind-the-scenes to have our programs back in action once the pandemic passes. Please contact us if we can help you in any way.
If you are a parent, high-school mentor, transition student, or have questions about summer camp, please contact Kiandra Rhaney, program director:
Kiandra@shakealegmiami.org.
For questions about about the Veterans, watersports and adult volunteer programs, please contact Karis Starke, program director:
Karis@shakealegmiami.org.
For philanthropic opportunities, please contact Churé Gladwell, president:
Chure@shakealegmiami.org.
For any other questions and concerns, please contact Harry Horgan, CEO & founder:
Harryh@shakealegmiami.org.
