22nd Annual Raise the Sails Gala

Ned T. Sahin (center) with sushi chefs at Whole Foods Market at 181 Cambridge St.

Community Boating, Inc. (CBI) is hosting their 22nd Annual Raise the Sails Gala at the Liberty Hotel in Boston, on Wednesday, November 7th at 6:30pm. The funds raised during the festivities will benefit youth and universal access sailing programs.

“We’re celebrating a successful year and great program,” says Marcin Kunicki, Development Director.

This is not a formal, sit down gala; there will be wine and hors d’oevres, beer, and dancing. Members of the board, CBI members and sailors will be present to talk with guests about their nautical experiences.

There will be a live and silent auction with items like handmade arts and crafts, an exclusive dinner with the Mayor, tickets to see Justin Beiber, a private charter Duck Tour, a night on the town, restaurant packages, and rarities such as antiques and books.

Door prizes include gifts from local restaurants and custom tote bags.

CBI offers classes that range from beginner to advance for adults and children who can practice on Cape Cod Mercury boats, kayaks, keelboats, and windsurf boards. Once you become a member, you can learn to sale with an instructor, have use of the boats, and can invite guests.

There are “accessible sailing programs dedicated to those who have special needs – individuals who have physical and communication handicaps,” says Kunicki.

Explore the harbor with the environmental programs that teach children about the ecology, water quality, and species of fish and wildlife in the Charles River, and include activities like fishing and eel trapping.

A young sailor can become an Instructor in Training, building leadership and responsibility while helping others rig up and cast off, assisting teachers with a class, or taking new members out for a sail.

“It really is all-inclusive and accessible,” says Kunicki. “We’ve been here for 65 years.”

CBI expects to welcome about 150 guests. Tickets are still available: $100 in advance, or $125 at the door. They can be obtained online at www.community-boating.org/gala, by phone at (617) 523-1038, or at the Community Boating front desk.

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