I recently put out a press release for Kadey-Krogen Yachts that was probably one of the most rewarding experiences one could have in putting together a one-page write-up. In corresponding with Kadey-Krogen trawler owners who keep their boat at the Sarasota Yacht Club I learned that the company was sponsoring the club’s recent Invitational Regatta. It makes perfect sense for a powerboat manufacturer to sponsor a sailboat event because of the popular transition that many cruisers make from sail to power; for Kadey-Krogen this is a reasonable branding effort to pursue.
However, they weren’t sponsoring the regatta for the sake of converting sailors to “the dark side.” Charlie Ann Syprett is the particular Krogen owner I was corresponding with and she happens to be on the board of a non-profit organization, The Wellness Community, which provides support, education, and hope to cancer patients and their loved ones. She recognizes the peace and escape that boating offers and in working with TWC started Kruisin’ for a Kause which unites TWC cancer patients with boat owners for a day on the water. Kadey-Krogen as a company was immediately on board with this concept and so were many of their owners who were eager to help share the joy of cruising with those who are so consumed with the stress and exhaustion of a horrible disease.
- Jim and Charlie Ann Syprett’s Krogen 58, Blue Heaven, hosts VIPs from the Sarasota Yacht Club’s Invitational Regatta including John Gear of Kadey-Krogen Yachts. (Click Image for Larger View)
Selfless Success
When Charlie Ann’s yacht club was organizing the annual Invitational Regatta she saw an opportunity to bring TWC in front of an even larger cruising audience, and again Kadey-Krogen supported her efforts. Their sponsorship allowed the regatta to have a charity aspect for the first time. The event’s ticket sales from an evening Docktails party as well as an auction raised $30,000 for The Wellness Community. This was a fantastic opportunity to inform the marine industry, regional publications, and oncology publications of the good being done by one small yacht company, an enthusiastic cruiser, and a community of caring boaters.
What really made this whole experience so meaningful were the people involved that provided me with the information and photos I needed in order to distribute a meaningful press release. I was connected with another public relations firm, two photographers, yacht club members, Wellness Community supporters, and regatta organizers all of whom had something to contribute. Not only were they helping me, but they were also spreading the word of the success of this event through blogs, announcements, and newspaper articles. The energy of the event, the feeling of hope it generated, and the selflessness of everyone involved in creating and promoting one group’s charity efforts was absolutely contagious. — Natalie Friton
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