The Island Heights Sailing Foundation, Inc., announces that it is changing its name to the Sailing Foundation of Barnegat Bay, Inc., (SFBB) to reflect its expanding commitment to supporting youth sailing, on-water safety, and historic preservation in the entire northern Barnegat Bay area.
“We are making this change because we believe it will help us better fulfill our mission of providing financial support to individuals and organizations that promote sailing, racing and on-water safety for youth,” noted Maggie Leigh Groff, President of the Foundation. “We have been raising money and providing grants that support junior sailing and historic preservation, as well as junior sailing scholarships, for 12 years, primarily in the Island Heights and Toms River area.” The Foundation’s new name reflects the expansion of its range to more of the Barnegat Bay area, while maintaining the original mandate. “We expect the broader reach will also enable us to raise more funds to support our efforts,” said Groff.
The Sailing Foundation of Barnegat Bay, Inc. is a 501(c)3 charitable organization, established in 2003, and incorporated under New Jersey law. It was created to preserve and advance the tradition of recreational sailing and preserve historic structures. Its primary mission is to help teach children and young adults to enjoy the wonderful sport of sailing.
By providing targeted grants to local sailing organizations, the Foundation strives to instill a life-long love of the sport, a strong sense of sportsmanship and a commitment to safety in young men and women. The Foundation also helps preserve historic structures, both buildings and sailing vessels. Within the communities of the Toms River and the Barnegat Bay are located many stunning Victorian-Era homes which are recognized by both the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places. The Foundation provides targeted grants to organizations helping to preserve the historic character of the community for future generations.
SFBB also provides financial support to the Ocean County College Sailing team, offers a one-time scholarship and the use of a class “E” Scow to a skipper and crew under the age of 25 to participate in regattas sponsored by the Barnegat Bay Yacht Racing Association and other organizations, and most recently has also assisted Shore Acres Yacht Club to re-establish its youth sailing program after the club was devastated by Super Storm Sandy.
Since 2003, the Foundation has sponsored a number of events, including restaurant raffles and silent and live auctions, providing more than $380,000 in grants and donations to individuals and organizations in the Barnegat Bay area.