Fuel The Flash 2030 - every spark counts
Please help support the Lightning Class - Donate now
| | In March we announced the 2025 Fundraising Campaign, a tactical one-year plan to raise $100,000. We quickly received feedback from several large donors that we should pivot to a more strategic, aspirational five-year plan specifically addressing the key needs of the Class to ensure its viability through 2038 (our 100th anniversary) and beyond. Thus began Fuel the Flash 2030, a five-year plan to raise $800,000. | | | Thanks to your generosity, we’ve already raised $90,000! How will we successfully invest your donations to grow the Class? | We’re well on our way! The Peter & Audrey Denton Family Foundation have issued a $25,000 Matching Challenge for 2025. To get the money, we need 325 unique donors – requiring broad buy-in across our Class members - as well as increasing individual donations over their prior year’s amount. More detail will follow in our next email, but please consider donating now. We still need 53 more new donors in October & November. Every spark counts – even a small donation gets us closer to the $25,000! Donate now | In future communications we’ll detail our planned investment for each Focus Area: (1) Marketing /Market Research, (2) Boat Grant & Expansion, (3) New & Used Boat Pipeline Program, (4) New Molds and (5) Class History Preservation. The Plan also includes accountability reporting to make sure teams are spending the money effectively to drive toward our goals. | | Please answer this Call To Action: |
To volunteer, or to provide input or ask questions, contact the co-chairs Bertie Werley (bertie.werley@gmail.com, 412-439-4543) or Bob Shapiro (finallybk@gmail.com, 978-761-3289).
Every spark counts - please help Fuel The Flash!
| 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 for Fuel The Flash 2030 of raising $800,000 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! | |