The Pointe du Hoc Foundation and the Tacoma Yacht Club are hosting The Ranger Regatta II, a dinner and sunset cruise on the Puget Sound with Special Operations Warriors, Aug. 11.
"The goal of The Ranger Regatta II is to reach out to the community in an effort to bring awareness for the unselfish contributions and sacrifices the military, the Rangers and their families make in their dedication to service," said Lorri Wright, Pointe du Hoc Foundation Board Member and spouse of Ranger, SFC Brian Wright.
The Pointe du Hoc Foundation (PDHF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization established to recognize and commemorate the special operations warriors of 2d Ranger Battalion. The PDHF is an all-volunteer organization formed in 2011 with the initial goal of building a memorial at the 2d Ranger Battalion compound at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
With the memorial completed, PDHF didn't want to just stop its efforts in supporting Rangers there.
That's how the various fundraisers, such as The Ranger Regatta, were created.
Since conception the PDHF has done many fundraisers including a golf tournament, a "Gala" and in August 2015, The Ranger Regatta.
"The Regatta was such a success (last year) that the PDHF has decided to do it again, but this time as our big fundraiser for 2016," said Wright.
Last year was the first for this program, but due to its popularity, has now become the centralized fundraiser for the PDHF.
"The idea of a yachting event came about by a former Ranger from 2nd Battalion, Bill Foulk, who is a member of the Tacoma Yacht Club (TYC)," said Wright. "He and other members of TYC wanted to donate the use of their yachts to help support 2nd Battalion.
"So the PDHF came up with the Regatta concept to add some friendly competition to the yachting event in keeping with the competitive nature of the Rangers."
The yachts and fuel are donated by boat owners of the Tacoma Yacht Club.
"The Tacoma Yacht Club owners donate their time and yachts and even skipper their yachts for the event," said Wright. "The TYC is a big supporter of the military and 2nd Ranger Battalion, especially with Bill Foulk and Nancy Williams both being PDHF members, yacht owners and board members of the TYC."
The funds raised by the PDHF through the Ranger Regatta II event will be used to help support the Rangers and families of 2D Ranger BN through many programs to include:
- Provide educational opportunities to support family members of 2d BN through the Ranger Scholarship Fund
- Promote individual well-being through life skills development counseling and seminars
- Assist with career counseling and job placement for Rangers transitioning from military service
- Augment existing wounded warrior programs with family assistance support
- Support unit moral and welfare activities
- Maintain the memorial park honoring Rangers that died in combat and training
- Establish an endowment fund to ensure enduring program support
This event is a great source for raising funds for continual support of Special Operations Warriors, but the focus remains on providing an enjoyable event for the servicemembers.
"Last year's it was a daytime event; the day started at the Tacoma Yacht Club for a continental breakfast, introduction of the yacht skippers, and a brief meet-and-greet for the attendees to meet their yacht-mates and the Rangers attending the event and on their craft," said Wright about last year's Ranger Regatta. "All attendees then went to their assigned yacht where the competition began and all enjoyed cruising through the Puget Sound on a beautiful sunny day."
This year will continue the fun, but will now be an evening affair with hopes to catch a perfect view of the sunset over the Puget Sound.
"This year we have changed it to an evening event where the attendees will arrive at the Tacoma Yacht Club in the early evening for a cocktail reception, followed by a dinner prepared by the chefs at TYC," said Wright. "During the evening, there will be a panel of Rangers and spouses to answers the attendee's questions about the life and duties of a Ranger, effects of service on their families, and other questions to bring awareness to the community of who a Ranger is."
Why such an emphasis for the PDHF on supporting Rangers?
The PDHF board is comprised of eight board members and two advisors, five of which are retired Rangers and four members are Ranger spouses, current and past.
As with most military events of this nature, the goal is to forge stronger bonds with fellow Rangers and their spouses.
"The Rangers get an opportunity to network with local business professionals, to hear from community members and build a rapport between the military and the civilian community leaders," said Wright. "They also receive a nice dinner and a sunset cruise on the Puget Sound, which is a perfect date night for a Ranger couple!"
To find out more information on The Ranger Regatta II, please contact the Pointe du Hoc Foundation at pdhfcommunications@gmail.com.