December 2022        

Shake-A-Leg is cruising into the holidays at full speed and we couldn't be more grateful for the generosity of our participants, donors and partners. If it wasn't for you, the staff and board at Shake-A-Leg Miami wouldn't see the smiles from our program attendees each day. Just being a small part of the feeling behind the smiles we see, makes everything we've packed into the past 12 months that much more worthwhile. 

Regatta season is back in full force with the Bacardi Invitational Series. We welcome all the sailors to have a wonderful winter regatta season. Our Veteran Fishing program is out to catch the big one and Veterans Sailing starts in January. Young adults are actively learning marine vocational skills and exploring the bay in our Seaworthy Transitions program. Weekends continue to fly in the wind with Saturday We Can Sail where youth with disabilities are paired with able bodied mentors for a day on the bay and Sunday Social hosts boat rides and more for the community with a focus on adults with a disability and their families.

Together we are Launching Boats and Dreams. Join us and Launch you New Year Dream!

US Coast Guard Station Hangar Anniversary Celebration Bay Day, 10 December 2022 photo credits: Patrick Farrell, Dave McMillian & Jeff Reynolds

For the past 30 years, the US Coast Guard Station Hangar has served as the cornerstone of Shake-A-Leg Miami’s mission of utilizing the marine environment to improve the health, education and independence of children, adults and veterans with disabilities in an inclusive community setting. With a number of special guests in attendance, on Saturday, December 10th, Shake-A-Leg Miami hosted a well-attended community event to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the hangar and its continuous lifesaving and life-enriching public service. This event was generously sponsored by Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. About 200 members of the community came out to join us in the celebration, complete with a DJ, BBQ and cake to celebrate.

Speakers included First Chairwoman Christine King and retiring Ken Russell of the City of Miami Board of Commissioners, US Coast Guard Chief of Staff, 7th District Command, Captain Tina Pena, The Children’s Trust Director of Programs Rachel Spector, U.S. Congressman Maria Elvira Salazar representative Maggie Riquelme, and Patrick Morris representing Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levin Cava.

Guest of Honor, Captain Pena, spoke on behalf of the history of the hangar. "We assist people all the time in the Coast Guard and so does Shake-A-Leg. To Mr. Horgan and the entire Shake, thank you for your willingness to jump in, and for giving to others, and for continuing a legacy of service right here in this hangar."

Commissioners spoke on the longevity of Shake-A-Leg Miami's service to the community.  Ken Russell remarked, "The last time I was here I made a promise, and that promise is to extend the agreement for Shake-A-Leg to operate on city land and I would get this done before I left. And we did it. Unanimously, every commissioner voted to extent that agreement."

"I look forward to being here many more times" declared Commissioner Christine King. 

So do we, and we hope you'll join us!

A thrilling final day, Sunday, December 18, saw the race track shaken and stirred as the Melges 24 and J/70 teams battled for leaderboard glory at the opening event of the 2022/2023 Bacardi Regatta Series on Biscayne Bay, Miami.
 
Despite mixed fortunes for some, the overnight leaders after Saturday’s three races continued to serve up their best, with victory going to Drew Freides and crew on ‘Pacific Yankee’ in the Melges 24, whilst Richard Witzel’s ‘Rowdy’ team came out on top in the J/70. Read more...

Give a Lasting Gift this Season

Shake-A-Leg Miami is able to serve the community thanks to the support of our donors.

 Consider gifting a donation on behalf of a friend or family member and

together you will change lives, one smile at a time.

Spinal Cord Injury Support Group Bay Day, December 11, 2022 (photo credit: David McMillian)

Spinal Cord Injury Support Group hosted a holiday Bay Day on December 11 at Shake-A-Leg Miami and people of all abilities enjoyed kayaking, boat rides and fun. SCISG is an active partner at Shake-A-Leg Miami with regular outings  to promote friendships, education, advocacy and recreation that enhances the quality of life for those affected by spinal cord injuries, neurological disorders and other disabilities. 

Find out more about the local Miami Chapter of this group OR  how your organization can enjoy similar marine active outings at Shake-A-Leg Miami. 

Woody Foundation Bay Day, December 4  2022 (photo credit: David McMillian)

The Woody Foundation has been a partner of Shake-A-Leg for many years. The Woody Foundation aims to improve the quality of life for those living with paralysis and their caregivers. Since 2011, The Woody Foundation has provided activities and friendships for people in wheelchairs through boat outings (Yes Shake-A-Leg!), music festivals (if you haven't been to Woodystock, you need to check it out), golf classics and more. In December, The Woody Foundation celebrated their year-end with a Day on the Bay at Shake-A-Leg.

We loved seeing all those wheels on the water!

Karis Starke aboard aa Shake-A-Leg vessel on Sunday Social  (photo credit: Lauren Cruz)

The University of Miami School of Photojournalism's Patrick Farrell hosted an event in the hangar showcasing student photography.  Students took photographs of people in the local community of Coconut Grove.  Students chose visitors and local community icons as their subjects. Many of which came to the event! Above photo was on exhibit along with some icons of Coconut Grove!

Shake-A-Leg Miami is making WAVES. Check out our latest publicity and awards!

Password: ShakePress22

Gables Living Magazine

by Christopher Miyares

Miami Today 

by Geneviene Bowen

Special Recognitions

by Elected Officials

Orange Bowl Youth Regatta returns December 26-30. The Orange Bowl International Youth Regatta is the largest youth regatta in the nation for sailors 8-18. In late December, more than 700 youth sailors from 20 countries, will be racing. Sailors head out from access points along Bayshore Drive including Shake-A-Leg Miami. We are hosting the laser fleet sponsored by TUUCI. TUUCI is a Miami based company manufacturing state of the art outdoor lifestyle solutions. Come check out the regatta under our TUUCI umbrellas and be inspired!

Winter Break Camp while schools are out, camp is in January 3-6. Children ages 6-12 are welcome to register for fun water activities during holiday break. Winter Break Camp will learn water safety and explore Biscayne Bay by kayak, boat and sail. Each day includes arts and crafts and a lunch. Costs are $75 per week.

Scholarships are available. 

Looking forward...

• 3 January All Shake-A-Leg Miami programs resume from holiday

• 15 January Shake-A-Leg Miami Bay Day Mark your calendars from 10-2pm. All are welcome to join us for a Day on the Bay full of watersport, food and more!

• 21 January Shake and Erg Event

If you haven't seen it yet, click below to view our public gallery. Check out the magic and smiles of families captured in the moment. Access, download, share and keep the memories of 2022. Thank You for being a part of the Shake-A-Leg Family!

Join us as we build boats, friendships, and dreams. Thanks to donors like you, we make it possible to provide a safe and inclusive environment for people with disabilities, veterans and their families.

Thank you to our major sponsors and everyone who contributes. You are making it possible to improve the lives of people with disabilities and their families. Below is a list of major donors who have contributed over $10,000.

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