By Jason Schwartz
Jay Van Vechten was contemplating scrapping the annual Boating & Beach Bash for People with Disabilities this year when he got a burst of financial support from the community.
Residents, businesses and non-profit organizations rallied to fund the event, billed as the nation’s largest, free, fun-day for people with special needs, their caregivers and family members.
“One of the things that astounds me living in South Florida, is the way community spirit manifests itself,” said Jay Van Vechten, the event’s founder and director. “Just when you think no one cares, there’s a surge of support from surprising sectors, both public and private.”
Organizers are gearing up for a huge turnout – more than 6,000 people from South Florida and beyond will attend the event at Spanish River Park on Saturday, March 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It includes live music, boat rides, face painting and food intended to provide care-free day for people with intellectual and physical disabilities.
New to the Bash this year will be low impact sporting events designed to accommodate the abilities of attendees versus their disabilities. Officials at Pinecrest Rehabilitation Hospital at the Delray Medical Center have been working to offer Bash guests numerous fun, sporting challenges including casting for magnetized fish, wheelchair yoga and kite flying.
At the centerpiece of the Bash, participants will be invited to enjoy a half hour boat ride aboard dozens of privately owned yachts donated for the day by their owners, most being members of Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club in Boca.
United States Coast Guard personnel will be on hand to provide safety and assistance with all water directed activities.
Named the Best Community Service Program in South Florida for two years in a row by the Gold Coast Public Relations Council, the Bash has set new standards in the treatment of those with disabilities.
“This is a day that celebrates diversity and recognizes people for their abilities versus their disabilities,” Van Vechten said. “We’re particularly pleased that we’re annually hosting more and more veterans with disabilities, many of whom have responded to invitations sent to the 400 Purple Heart recipients living in South Florida, thanks to support from the VA Hospital in West Palm Beach.”
Started in 2008, the Boating & Beach Bash has grown from 350 attendees in its first year to 2013’s record breaking totals of 5,500 guests and 500 volunteers.
“Our volunteers are extraordinary,” says Van Vechten, “They bring a level of dedication, support and compassion to this event that I’ve never seen anywhere else.”