PHILANTHROPY

At Southwestern Yacht Club, philanthropy is central to our mission. Membership here means joining a community that values compassion, generosity, and making a difference.

For over a decade, SWYC has proudly supported ElderHelp, a vital organization empowering San Diego’s seniors to live independently with dignity. ElderHelp's dedicated staff and 350+ volunteers ensure that 84 cents of every dollar directly benefits seniors, earning them a top 4-star rating from CharityNavigator.org. We also support Captain Rollo's Kids at Sea as a SWYC Anglers Tournament beneficiary. Captain Rollo's Kids at Sea provides opportunities for groups of kids to experience a day on the water and learn about fishing, ecosystems and marine life first hand.

The Southwestern Junior Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, is dedicated to enriching San Diego County youth through boating and sailing education. Comprising both members and non-members of SWYC, the foundation offers grants to high school and college sailing teams, supports Friends of Rollo and Sea Scouts, and funds scholarships for children needing financial assistance for angling and sailing programs. Learn more about our philanthropic efforts below.

BENEFIT ON THE BAY

This year, we are celebrating our theme of “100 Years of Volunteerism. Here’s to 100 More!”. In the Spirit of 100 years, our goal is to raise at least $100k for local Charities. Beneﬁt on the Bay is the perfect opportunity to celebrate this proud heritage of service and our Centennial Year by giving back to our local community that has kept SWYC thriving since 1925.
At SWYC, philanthropy is central to our mission. Our Club is a community that “values compassion, generosity, and making a difference”. Every year, our members step up to help one another and those in need. In fact, since 1984 our Beneﬁt on the Bay events have collectively raised over $1 million for local charities.

This year, we are hosting three major fundraising events as part of our Benefit on the Bay campaign. You can also donate today by clicking the click below.

DONATE TODAY

Charity Bay Race

The Charity Bay Race sponsored by Sail Fleet (date is TBD). Since 1984, SWYC’s Charity Bay Race has been a highlight of our annual events. This year, the excitement kicks off with a Buy-Up Buy-Down party on the Friday prior to the regatta, followed by the Charity Bay Race and Awards Party. As one of the nation’s largest charity regattas, the race covers a challenging 10-mile course around San Diego Bay, open to all yacht classes. The entry fee includes two BBQ and Awards tickets, with additional tickets available for $25 each. Benefiting ElderHelp of San Diego, the race is a key part of SWYC’s Benefit on the Bay!

Beacon of Light Party

The Beacon of Light Party, established in 2016, returns on Saturday, August 9th, 2025, in support of ElderHelp of San Diego. Last year’s event featured cocktails, heavy hors d'oeuvres, music and lively auctions with items like private chef experiences, Lake Tahoe getaways, and exclusive tours. Reservations are required, and all proceeds benefit ElderHelp. Thank you to our generous members—your support makes a difference!

By supporting Beacon of Light, you are supporting ElderHelp - by becoming a sponsor, adopting a senior, or attending our events, you help bring hope and care to our community’s seniors. Every contribution, big or small, makes a significant impact. We are truly grateful for your generosity. Together, we can create a brighter future for our seniors and make a lasting difference in our community.

Angler's Casino Night

The SWYC Anglers invite you to an exciting evening of casino-style entertainment at the Captain's Quarters, Southwestern Yacht Club on Saturday, October 18th at 6:00pm. Guests will enjoy gaming tables, complimentary liquor tastings, passed appetizers, and $5 cocktails in a lively, club-style setting. Admission is $60 per person. Proceeds from the event will go toward ElderHelp. This event is open to Southwestern Yacht Club members and their guests.To RSVP, please sign up using the Anglers website here.

BotB Contributors 2025

Benefit on the Bay Gratefully Acknowledges our Official Sponsors for 2025

Receive the heartfelt thanks of more than 900 seniors living independently and with dignity by supporting our club-wide fundraiser benefiting ElderHelp of San Diego.

Thank You Sponsors!

DIAMOND SPONSORS
S/C Chris Brzezinski & Angie Bartosik

PLATINUM BEACON SPONSORS
Jr. S/C John & Sue Robey
Cathy Lonergan - in Honor of Jim Lonergan
Mathew & Sheri Gates
TBD Cyber

GOLD LANTERN SPONSORS
George & Gillian Percy

SILVER LIGHTHOUSE SPONSORS
Debbie Hall
Kay Harry
Mary & Gerry O'Malley
Michael Goldstein
Nora Varner
Randy & Michelle Austin
Bob Woodard
Steven Bloom

CORINTHIAN SPONSORS
Rob Slusser
Gary Kantor, MD
Don Garber
Jacques & Michelle Naviaux

ADOPT A SENIOR
Al & Mari-Ann Krasne
Alan & Michelle Leff
Andrea Bokosky
BroadReach Productions
Gary Jongeward & Vicki Pinkus
Gordon & Jan Kugler
Gregory & Jill Raines
John James
Marcus Hale
Michael Roach
Nora Varner
Rick Ten Eyck
Kevin & Lori Kluzak
Ed & Mary Denaci

BECOME A SPONSOR TODAY!

BENEFICIARIES

Through various events, we raise funds to support vital causes, from helping individuals in need to fostering a love for fishing among children and adolescents. Our SWYC Anglers passionately support these initiatives, continuously striving to make a difference and welcoming new ideas that align with our mission.

One of our key initiatives is Captain Rollo’s Kids at Sea, which offers youth from all backgrounds—including those with special needs, school and church groups, inner-city programs, and clubs—the opportunity to experience a memorable day on the water. This program funds half-day fishing trips aboard Coast Guard-approved vessels at ports from San Diego to San Francisco, providing a safe and enriching experience for all participants.

Additionally, we proudly support ElderHelp, an organization that has advocated for San Diego’s older adults since 1973. ElderHelp is dedicated to assisting seniors in aging with dignity within their homes, fostering a stronger and more vibrant community that benefits citizens of all ages.

ElderHelp

Since 1973 ElderHelp has been an advocate for San Diego's older adults, believing that helping seniors age with dignity in their homes creates a stronger more vibrant community for citizens of all ages.

Today, ElderHelp is an integral part of the spectrum of government, health care, and community based providers focused on providing long-term solutions for seniors struggling to navigate complex challenges. We're one of the only agencies solely focused on providing quality services and programs to help seniors age successfully in their own homes. SWYC Anglers are proud to have raised $26,000 for ElderHelp from our 2023 Bottom Fishing Tournament.

LEARN MORE DONATE TODAY

Captain Rollo's Kids at Sea

Captain Rollo's Kids at Sea welcomes all groups of kids to experience a day on the water. We serve groups of kids from all walks of life, including but not limited to; special needs, school groups, church groups, inner city, and club groups. Captain Rollo's Kids at Sea funds half day fishing trips on Coast Guard approved vessels at Ports from San Diego to San Francisco.

For a variety of circumstances, many youngers are not afforded the opportunity to experience the wonders of being on the ocean learning about the ecosystems in our coastal waters. Enjoying a day on the water, feeling the ocean breeze, viewing marine life in its natural habitat, and experiencing the joy of fishing can truly broaden a child's horizons perhaps becoming a life-changing experience. We partner with other organizations to provide even more chances for kids to go fishing at various scheduled fresh and saltwater events.

LEARN MORE

The Bottom Fishing Tournament & Fish Taco Dinner is led by the SWYC Anglers on April 26th, 2025. The Bottom Fishing Tournament, first held in February 1971, began as a ‘winter tournament’ to boost off-season activity and quickly became an annual tradition at SWYC. This year, the tournament kicks off on April 26th, 2025, featuring categories for men, women, juniors, and smallfry. With a $85 entry fee for adults and $40 for juniors (16 and under), participants enjoy breakfast, a day of fishing, and a Mexican Fiesta Banquet with auctions and raffles. Over the years, the tournament has evolved into a key part of SWYC’s Benefit on the Bay, supporting charities like Friends of Rollo and ElderHelp. This year the Anglers are dedicating the BFT entirely to Captain Rollo's Kids at Sea.

Southwestern Junior Foundation

MISSION STATEMENT

The Southwestern Junior Foundation was founded in 1997.
The goal of the Southwestern Junior Foundation is to extend sailing and angler experiences to the youth of San Diego County who are in need of financial assistance.

The Southwestern Junior Foundation sponsors participants in programs that educate the children and youth of San Diego. These programs emphasize the importance of safety, sportsmanship, and life learning lessons.

PURPOSE

The purpose of the Southwestern Junior Foundation is to provide financial assistance in support of Corinthian Yachting, as a sport and recreation for the children of the City and County of San Diego. The Southwestern Junior Foundation scholarships enable participation in the SWYC Junior Program and other boating programs. Program activities include sailing, fishing, kayaking, and water safety instruction.

Southwestern Junior Foundation
501(c)(3)
EIN 33-0701183

Contact Executive Director Jason Saiz for Scholarships & Donations

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (619) 895-8257

Website: http://www.southwesternjuniorfoundation.org

DONATE TODAY