Ongoing support of the Palm Beach International Boat Show allows the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County to give back to the community each year by funding local marine-related events and nonprofits making a difference to protect and promote the marine industry in Palm Beach County and beyond. Due to the increasing success of the Boat Show, the MIAPBC is proud to increase its community support funding to local charitable and service organizations. Here are just some of those organizations making a positive impact in our community and to our marine environment:
ANGLER ACTION FOUNDATION
The mission of AAF is to aid in the protection and preservation of current fish populations for future generations by facilitating coordination between anglers, researchers, and policy makers. The organization supports unbiased and responsible fishery and marine regulations and conservation, preservation, restoration, and enhancement of estuarine and coastal water habitats. Its primary service project, the Angler Action Program (AAP), has blossomed into the premier recreational angler data collection platform on the planet, with multiple partners and platforms. Through the AAP, AAF has given an unprecedented voice in the management of our fisheries. If you would like to become involved or make a contribution, please join AAF today. Or contact brett@angleraction.org or call 561 707 8923.
THE BIG DOG FAT CAT KDW SHOOTOUT
The Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County is proud to be a sponsor of the Big Dog Fat Cat KDW Tournament that benefits two outstanding local animal organizations.
THE CASTAWAYS SAILING CLUB ANNUAL CASTAWAYS CUP
A two-day point-to-point regatta dedicated to fellowship, fun, and friendly racing! When the St. Lucie Inlet is deemed safe after emergency dredging is completed, it is our intention to resume our traditional Castaway Cup Weekend at the Hutchinson Island Marriott.
CHASEN' TAILZ
The Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County is proud to be a sponsor of Chasentailz KDW Fishing Tournament that benefits Chasentailz a nonprofit dedicated to changing the lives of needy families with children battling life threatening illnesses. We change lives by relieving financial stress to provide families more time to create forever memories with their children and connect them with other families/resources.
THE CROSSING FOR CYSTIC FIBROSIS
The Crossing For Cystic Fibrosis is a long-distance endurance paddle challenge and international championship race that takes paddlers 80 miles across the Gulf Stream from Bimini in the Bahamas back to the Florida mainland. The event was inspired because of the incredible health benefits of the Ocean for those living with cystic fibrosis, a terminal lung disease. Travis Suit's daughter Piper was diagnosed with CF when she was four years old.
KEEP PALM BEACH COUNTY BEAUTIFUL
The International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) is the world's largest, one-day volunteer effort to clean up the marine environment. Every September, volunteers from over 100 countries descend on local beaches, rivers, lakes and canals to show their commitment to cleaner waterways. The Ocean Conservancy, the world's largest organization focusing exclusively on the health of the marine environment, has sponsored this annual event for the past 31 years. In Palm Beach County, the Cleanup is extended to additional dates through November.
The ICC is much more than just removing trash. By providing detailed, standardized data on paper data cards, or electronically through the Clean Swell app, volunteers gather valuable information about the types and sources of debris found. Analyzed and tracked year by year, this information serves as a powerful tool for educating the public, influencing public policy, and effecting positive behavioral change on the part of individuals, organizations and communities.
Keep Palm Beach County Beautiful, Inc. (KPBCB) coordinates the ICC in Palm Beach County. Volunteers will clean sites from Boca Raton to Tequesta and will receive free t-shirts (while supplies last) to commemorate the event and their efforts. Volunteers should pre-register and get additional information by contacting the volunteer coordinator listed for the site they're interested in.
KIDS FISHING DAY
It's all about introducing kids to fishing and our marine environment! Since 1988, the Palm Beach County Fishing Foundation, along with the assistance of volunteers and important community partners like the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County has conducted an annual Kid's Fishing Day Program. Each year, hundreds of less fortunate, at-risk and special needs children from throughout Palm Beach County experience what most of us take for granted, a day of boating and fishing on the ocean. It takes three days and 12 separate drift boat trips to get all the kids on the water. More importantly, because of this program's strong educational component, the kids learn all about our marine environment and why we need to protect it. This is accomplished through a variety of hands-on educational stations based on land, which includes the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission's Marine Touch Tank.
To date, over 10,000 special kids have participated in this heartwarming community outreach event. The program is free of charge to those who participate and is made possible each year through the generosity of many sponsors and volunteers. Each child receives an event t-shirt, lunch, drinks, dessert, and an official certificate of participation. If that wasn't enough, every kid goes home with a brand new fishing rod and reel. 'Big fish' awards are presented to those lucky enough to catch the largest fish on each drift boat trip. Of course, each child walks away with special memories of a fun day on the water and a better understanding of our unique marine environment. For many, this ocean adventure is a first time experience. Seeing flying fish, sea turtles and large oceanic predators like sharks is a thrill not soon forgotten! We believe programs like our Kid's Fishing Day help build better citizens and environmental stewards for the future.
NORTH PALM BEACH ROWING CLUB
NPBRC is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization formed in January, 2007, by rowers, coxswains, coaches and friends who are committed to spreading our love of the sport throughout south Florida. They do this by sharing the athletic, health, educational and social benefits of rowing through classes, programs, and outreach. Additionally, the NPBRC works with the community to enhance the recreational quality of local waterways and contribute to the vibrant south Florida culture.
Learn to row programs are open to the public and provide a fun, safe way to learn how to row under the watchful supervision of coaches and adult members. Youth teams are open to middle and high school students, ages 12-18. NPBRC's teams compete successfully around the country. Its Youth Program is open to students from any area school. Masters teams are open to area adults who want to learn the sport, enjoy our waterways, or participate in local and national regattas. The NPBRC has both competitive and recreational groups. No prior experience is necessary.
PALM BEACH COUNTY FISHING FOUNDATION
The Palm Beach County Fishing Foundation (PBCFF) is the charitable affiliate of the 83-year-old West Palm Beach Fishing Club (WPBFC). The mission of the PBCFF is to fill a community need by developing and producing marine education, conservation and historic preservation programs that will have a lasting and beneficial impact on the youth, marine resources and history of Palm Beach County. To accomplish its mission the PBCFF produces a variety of local initiatives including Kids Fishing Days, Rods & Reels for Kids, annual scholarships at area high schools and universities, and numerous marine habitat enhancement projects. The PBCFF has achieved many significant conservation and educational milestones since its inception.
PALM BEACH COUNTY KDW CLASSIC
The West Palm Beach Fishing Club annually produces one of the largest and most popular "KDW style" tournaments in South Florida. The event is called the Palm Beach County KDW Classic and is headquartered at the Riviera Beach Municipal Marina each year on the first Saturday following the Memorial Day holiday weekend. This one-day tournament is fun, affordable and very family oriented. There are cash payouts eight places deep for the heaviest kingfish, dolphin and wahoo, plus ten cash prizes for junior anglers! There are plenty of other ways to win and the event also features a huge raffle.Tournament proceeds support the marine conservation and youth education initiatives of the non-profit West Palm Beach Fishing Club and the Palm Beach County Fishing Foundation.
TARAS OCEANOGRAPHIC FOUNDATION
The Foundation is named after Taras, the son of Poseidon, who, when Taras was shipwrecked, rescued him by sending a dolphin, which Taras rode to traverse the sea to the south of Italy. Brought ashore, Taras founded the city of Tarentum, today known as Taranto. Our vision is to advance our knowledge about dolphins and the long-term survival of both people and the oceans, through research, education, and cultural programs.
Waterway Preservation
LAGOONKEEPERS.ORG
Created in 1985 by the Board of County Commissioners, local government officials, commercial and recreational anglers, SCUBA divers, scientists, and conservationists review, discuss, and make recommendations for artificial reef and estuarine enhancement projects. pbcgov.com
The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association proudly represents the interests of commercial and recreational users of the waterway. AIWA is the only organization dedicated to ensuring the future of the AIWW and, as such, we have earned the reputation of being "The Voice of the Waterway." Our members hail from 39 states and Canada and include both commercial and recreational users. atlanticintracoastal.org
The LWLI is a partnership-driven effort to support increasing awareness of Palm Beach County's largest estuary and implement solutions to protect and enhance this valuable natural system. We invite you to learn more about our work and to join us in supporting efforts to enhance fish and wildlife habitat, improve and protect water quality, and increase public awareness of the Lagoon. lwli.org
Other Community Partnerships
PBCBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BOARD PBC
bdb.org
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE PALM BEACHES
palmbeaches.org
DISCOVER THE PALM BEACHES
thepalmbeaches.com
PALM BEACH COUNTY DIVING ASSOCIATION
divepbc.com
PALM BEACH COUNTY LEAGUE OF CITIES
palmbeachcountyleagueofcities.com
PALM BEACH NORTH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
npbchamber.com
WOMEN'S CHAMBER OF COMMERCE of PBC
Womenschamber.biz
PALM BEACH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
palmbeachamber.com
WEST PALM BEACH FISHING CLUB
https://westpalmbeachfishingclub.org
PBC ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
pbcgov.org
JR. ACHIEVEMENT OF THE PALM BEACHES & TREASURE COAST
CAREER SOURCE PALM BEACH COUNTY