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What happens when a yacht broker wants to give back after his own personal battle with cancer? Ask John Weller, of Allied Richard Bertram Group. He has partnered with the Tradewinds Foundation to take children with cancer and their families on yacht outings for pure enjoyment and relaxation. John is recruiting yacht owners, captains and other brokers to supply the yachts used for these individual outings.

Tradewinds is working with Social Worker Cindy Zehnder and Trish Lira, Child life Specialist and Noogieland Manager at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and Gilda’s Club to identify and recruit children and teen and their families to participate.

On Tuesday, March 15, twelve teens boarded “Summertime” a 50 foot yacht in Dania for a for an evening dinner cruise along the Intracoastal waterway.

What made this cruise unique were the teenagers and the Foundation sponsoring the boating excursion. The teenagers are in a special group called TEEN TIME, a program for teens touched by cancer at Gilda’s Club South Florida, a free, nonprofit, nonresidential, social and emotional support community for men, women and children living with cancer, including families and friends, located in Fort Lauderdale.

One Teen Time member said,” We are so lucky to be able to go on a yacht for Teen Group. This has been the best activity ever!”

The captain of “Summertime” was Jeff Fraser, one of the owners of the Tradewinds Alliance Group, which donated the yacht to the Tradewinds Foundation for that night of cruising. Jeff is dedicated to assisting others, especially those with cancer after losing a very close friend and co- worker to cancer.

Debra Frenkel, Director of Marketing and Program Development for the Foundation, has done numerous programs with children with cancer and their families, in conjunction with Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and Gildas’ Club. Debra’s niece had cancer when she was four and is now, healthy at age 15.

“Having the opportunity to go on a 50 foot yacht is unique. There aren’t many organizations that have the Tradewinds contact. We are truly blessed to have such charitable and dedicated people in our community who care so much about children and teens touched by cancer.” said Trish Lira, Gilda’s Club Noogieland Manager.

Established in 1997, Tradewinds Foundation, Inc. was the vision of founder, David Abelove. The idea arose after the personal experience of donating two of his own vessels. He felt that establishing the Foundation would increase the opportunity to enhance the quality of life for children and adults at risk.

For more information please contact Debra Frenkel, visit website or call 1-800-734-8930.

For more information about Gilda’s Club® South Florida call (954) 763-6776, email Stephanie Allen or just visit http://www.gildasclubsouthflorida.org.