For 25 years, Catalina Island Yacht Club Foundation has been committed to charitable giving, supporting non-profit organizations whose mission and work benefits the City of Avalon and Catalina Island. Through our annual fundraiser, the CIYC Billfish Tournament and the generosity of member donations, the Foundation has made meaningful contributions to many organizations, including: Catalina Island Search and Rescue. Catalina Island Humane Society, Catalina Island Museum, Catalina Outdoor Adventure Club, Catalina Kid Ventures, and Catalina Island Health Foundation.
For over 20 years, Catalina Island Yacht Club has awarded scholarships to graduating seniors from Avalon High School. In 2023, these scholarships transitioned to the CIYC Foundation, allowing for increased award amounts, most recently to $5000 each for 3 students. Recognizing the importance of being able to award scholarships that could provide a meaningful impact in supporting higher education for our Avalon HS students, the CIYC Foundation Board recently established a scholarship endowment fund to ensure long term availability of scholarship awards for Avalon High School seniors.
In early September, members and guests of the Catalina Island Yacht Club made their way up to the Catalina Country Club for the Catalina Island Yacht Club Foundation fundraiser — dedicated to the inaugural funding of the CIYC Endowment for Avalon Scholarships.
Combining a beautiful venue, perfect weather and an important cause, “A Caddy Shack Par-Tee”, drew a sold-out crowd, many adorned in their finest Caddy Shack attire. The goal was to build an initial fund of $500,000, and CIYC members came through with flying colors. Through the live auction and paddle raise, and subsequent donations, the CIYC Foundation raised over $450,000 which will be dedicated to long-term funding of Avalon High School student scholarships.
The CIYC Foundation looks forward to working closely with Avalon High School, and the community, to ensure we can enable the best opportunities for our students.