2025 ILCA Fundraising Campaign
Please help support the Lightning Class - donate now!
| | The Lightning Class Annual Budget, funded predominantly by membership dues, royalties and merchandise sales, supports most (but not all) of our day-to-day operations. However, to thrive as a one-design class we need to be able to invest in and support innovative programs that both retain existing members and attract new sailors to the boat we all love. | | | So we’re asking you to donate now. It can be a one-time gift, or you can become an “ILCA sustaining member” by making yours a recurring donation, either monthly or quarterly depending on your preference. Please donate now!
Our overall goal is to raise $100,000 this year to support programs such as:
• An “escrow fund” to replace one boat every three years (Boat Grant Fund);
• Grants to fleets for innovative programs to retain/attract junior sailors (Limbaugh Fund);
• International fleet support to maintain our status as an international Class (ILCA Fund);
• Digitize our boat files, making them accessible online (History Fund).
| | Your donation will protect and enhance the investment you’ve already made – a strong, viable and visible Class organization enhances the value of your boat, and ensures that you will continue to reap years of direct, personal enjoyment for you and your family. | | | Please donate now! If you’d like more information on each fund, check the website at www.lightningclass.org/donations. Your support is greatly appreciated!
| The Bedrock of the Lightning Class: Membership Support
David Starck, ILCA President
Since its inception in 1938, the foundation and guiding principles of the International Lightning Class Association have been built on strong leadership, vision, innovation, volunteerism, hard work, and Philanthropy. | | | The focus today is Philanthropy; specifically, a fundraising effort to keep the class growing strong both here in North America, as well as across the globe in Europe and South America. The class must continue to evolve and grow as it has for the past 87 years. We have our eye on 100 years! We need your support to get there.
Through the leadership of the LOYALS volunteer group, the class has set a lofty goal of raising $100,000 to support the many initiatives and goals we have set. Programs such as the Boat Grant, International Boat/Equipment Growth, U32/Fleet Building, and Class equipment R&D are just a few examples of where we are focused and where your donation dollars are being allocated.
Please join me in taking the Class to a higher level, attracting the next generation of one design sailors to the Lightning. With your help, we will continue to roll up our sleeves and put forth our best effort as we look toward the future and our centennial year in 2038. | | Why Contribute to the Lightning Class Association?
Bob Astrove, VP Classic Boats
For me, it is a very simple answer - it is just one small way to say thank you for the lifetime of enjoyment I have received from the Class Association, the boats I have owned, and all the wonderful people I have met over the past 55 years. | | | I do it to ensure future generations of Lightning sailors have the same opportunities and endless fun I have enjoyed. Those who know me understand that my real passion is in restoring the older boats and helping others to restore their boats. But that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy a competitive regatta sailed in a modern boat or a Sunday afternoon of fleet racing with my local club on the Potomac River. The Class has so much to offer members of all ages, sailing skill, or specific interests.
But it takes resources to keep the Class strong, now nearing our 90th anniversary. I encourage everyone to periodically give back to the Class. Please check out the Lightning Class Donations page and consider making a contribution.
Please donate now! If you’d like more information on each fund, check the website at www.lightningclass.org/donations. Your support is greatly appreciated! | International Lightning Class Association
Bertie Werley, Class Treasurer
412-439-4543 | |