MISSION
To Enhance the well-being of children and adults with disabilities and veterans through therapeutic boating experiences.
Boat outings for children and adults with life threatening illnesses, special needs, veterans and their families.
- Individual fishing trips for all and fishing tournaments for at-risk youth.
Adaptive sailing and annual regatta in conjunction with Collier County Parks and Recreation.
Individual and group boat trips for veterans.
HISTORY
The Kind Mariners Ball is a unique fundraising gala. Like everything we do at Freedom Waters Foundation, it has a deeper meaning. In 2015, Mike and Carol Donahue created and hosted the very first Kind Mariners Ball. The couple learned about Freedom Waters Foundation at a boat show and were impressed by the mission and the overwhelming support the organization receives from the boating community.
Mike and Carol had a true heart for helping those with disabilities and passion for being on the water. Freedom Waters Foundation’s mission was a prefect fit for them, and they quickly joined as volunteer boat owners to share their love of being on the water, to provide the therapeutic boating experience.
Soon after, Mike became a Board member of the organization, seeing that there was a need to raise significant funds, Mike offered to create a fundraiser for Freedom Waters Foundation.
Mike and Carol named the event the Kind Mariners Ball to attract the kind souls within the boating community and encourage them to use their boats for a higher purpose. Because of Mike’s impressive enthusiasm, the first event raised more in one night than the organization raised in a full year. Mike truly was able to encourage the pure kindness of the boating community.
In 2018, Mike began having serious health issues. He was eventually diagnosed with ALS, and he experienced the benefits of the Freedom Waters Foundation firsthand. The therapeutic boat trips he experienced were the best part of his days until he passed away in 2019.
The Kind Mariners Ball will always be in Mike and Carol’s honor and they are held with high esteem within our organization. Mike truly was the kindest mariner.
This event is for all who share a combined passion for boating and helping those in need. The proceeds from the event make it possible for nearly 5,000 children with special needs and veterans to benefit from the therapeutic value of being on the water.
“We all had a wonderful time. It was great meeting you both and feeling the kindness from you. It means the world to me. Your foundation is a wonderful program and I hope you can continue it for many years!”
“The experience that are provided for both Vets and Special needs individuals are opportunities most of us would never be able to experience withou
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Debra Frenkel, LCSW
Freedom Waters Foundation’s beacon of light is the LOVE that is shared by our entire crew – the people we serve, staff, volunteers, boat owners and community partners. YOU!
That light is shining even more brightly as we go into celebrating our 19th Anniversary of service! I am in awe and so grateful for all the love and support to “Make it Happen” for so many.
In 2021, a boat owner asked me how many lives I thought we have touched over the years. I had to pause and think about it. Surprising me, tears welled up as I responded, “maybe 25,000-30,000”. That overwhelmed me in the best way!
And, now onto our future…Freedom Waters Foundation’s Board of Directors are visionaries. They want to expand the organization to reach even more participants in South Florida and then move onto other communities across Florida. Eventually, they plan to establish programs in other states to help more veterans and individuals with special needs through therapeutic boating experiences. Once we go national, it could even grow to become international, some day! And, we have the incredible staff and group of volunteers to Make it Happen!
ORGANIZE
Recruit private and commercial boat owners and volunteers to provide on the water experiences. Coordinate all individuals we serve, those with disabilities. life threatening illnesses, youth at risk and veterans with the right boat owners and volunteers for a positive, memorable boating experience.
EDUCATE
Manage approximately 400 boat trips to provide over 4,600 participants on the water experiences. Sharing Freedom and Joy on and off the Water!
SUPPORT
Our therapeutic programs take place year round on the water in Collier, Lee, Broward and Palm Beach counties, and once a year for full weekends in Georgia and Indiana.
CHANGE A LIFE TODAY
Freedom Waters Foundation is the ship we are all navigating together to serve others, and I am forever grateful for all of you and our serving since 2006! Sharing Freedom and Joy On and Off the Water! Thank you!