Blackbaud Sponsors Fourth Annual Military Salute Regatta Honoring and Supporting Military and Veterans
Blackbaud was honored to sponsor the Charleston Ocean Racing Association’s (CORA) fourth annual Military Salute Regatta, a two-day event in Charleston, South Carolina, that celebrates military members, veterans, and the community that stands by them. The regatta offers active-duty military and veterans a chance to enjoy camaraderie and explore sailboat racing – with no prior experience needed—and gives other participants and CORA members an opportunity to recognize and honor military service.
“At Blackbaud, we are dedicated to helping individuals and organizations fuel impact around the world,” said Mike Gianoni, president, CEO and vice chairman of the board of directors, Blackbaud. “CORA is exemplary in its work to fuel impact right here in Charleston with this event for our military and veterans. We are honored to sponsor the Military Salute Regatta for the fourth year, benefitting two standout organizations serving veterans—Veterans on Deck and Friends of Fisher House Charleston—right here in our local community where Blackbaud is headquartered.”
This year’s regatta saw a record turnout with a total of 430 participants involved—whether racing, volunteering or celebrating the crews. In total, 30 boats hosted 150 military and veteran racers, and half of the skippers were veterans. The top three finishing boats across classes included:
- Cruising Fleet – SEA SPRITE
- Non-Spinnaker Fleet – DIFFERENT DRUMMER
- Spinnaker Fleet – EMOCEAN
Over 130 supporters, including friends, family, and sponsors, watched from the Charleston Princess viewing boat. Additional spectators enjoyed the event from Charleston’s Waterfront Park.
Jim O’Connor, CORA Commodore, said, “This year’s event was a huge success both on and off the water as we honored our military and veterans and shared the joy of sailboat racing. We are eagerly looking forward to the continued growth and increasing impact of this event, and we can’t wait to see what next year will bring!”
John Young, senior director of business operations and leader of the VETS (Veterans Engaged Through Service) affinity group at Blackbaud shared, “This was an incredible opportunity to not only volunteer in support of our veterans but also participate as a US Army vet, enjoying the camaraderie of sailing and connecting with fellow veterans. I was especially proud to see members of our Veterans affinity group participate and proud to see our company backing this great cause again this year.”
About CORA
Founded in 1967, the Charleston Ocean Racing Association celebrates sailing while honoring military service through events like the Military Salute Regatta. Gratitude goes to sponsors and volunteers whose support ensured its success. The event benefited Fisher House Charleston, providing lodging to veterans’ families and Veterans on Deck, supporting mental health through sailing programs, with increased visibility and crucial funding to further their missions.
About Veteran’s on Deck
Veterans on Deck has been providing a unique sailing program in association with Ralph Johnson VA Medical Center for the past 11 years. Their program works to prevent and treat the invisible wounds that affect members of our Armed Forces, during and after their service. This sailing program has been proven to increase social functioning through increased interpersonal activities. The program also quantifiably reduced depression associated with social withdrawal. Sailing has proven therapeutic effects. (www.veteransondeck.org)
About Fisher House Charleston
Fisher House Charleston is a beautiful home away from home for the families of Veterans receiving care in the Charleston area. There are over 75,000 Veterans who are supported by the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System, coming from as far as Myrtle Beach or Hinesville, GA. The Fisher House Charleston provides temporary lodging in a comfortable and relaxed setting, only a few blocks away from the medical facility. Guests can stay at the Fisher House at no cost for as long as their loved one is hospitalized. (www.fisherhouse.org)