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The Chasing Bubbles Foundation got some wind in its sails in 2022! From restructuring our crew to preparing S/V Bubbles to utilize in the Cycle of Inspiration, CBF did a lot of work in 2022. And the real adventures are just beginning!
Year Recap of 2022
The Chasing Bubbles Foundation had a productive year and we'd like to recognize some milestones - from reconfiguring the Board structure to purchasing and restoring S/V Bubbles. Read below about our adventures from 2022!
January-April
The CBF Board went on a temporary hiatus to finish out the winter, only passing the motion for a 10-year S/V Bubbles' circumnavigation reunion. As spring approached, Solomon (CBF Board Member and Alex’s Brother) found himself extremely motivated by Alex’s mission and started plans for the reunion. The plans were configured throughout April, with 20+ Bubbles’ Crew planning to travel to visit S/V Bubbles at Coral Bay in St. John. Just a few short weeks before their arrival, S/V Bubbles went up for sale!
May-June
With a quick initial deposit, S/V Bubbles was secured and the Chasing Bubbles Foundation was then able to purchase Bubbles during the 10-year reunion in June! Still, Bubbles was in rough shape after losing her mast to Hurricane Irma, and a lot of work needed to be done. S/V Bubbles was determined to be a key immediate focus for CBF during her restoration to former glory.
To help make "Project Bubbles" happen, Joe (CBF Board Member and Alex's brother) coordinated a Chasing Bubbles Foundation reorganization. A small, agile, core board was created, with the remaining board members transitioning to the advisory board.
The future of S/V Bubbles and the hard work of the new Board will be only a part of the overall mission of CBF to help kids around the world chase their dreams.
July-August
After CBF purchased the boat, in July, we quickly worked to rig up a quick mast using a whisker pole and a spinnaker sail. Then we were able to sail S/V Bubbles over to St. Thomas (in the featured picture above) and get her onto a dry dock before the hurricane season swept through the islands. Further restoration began and S/V Bubbles started seeing serious progress!
At the same time, the newly organized Chasing Bubbles Foundation was hard at work. Sub-committees began forming and social media became a main focus. Jess, Lexi, and EJ, (CBF Board Members) formed the Social Committee, created some new content, and laid the groundwork for an online strategy (check out facebook.com/ChasingBubbles!).
September-November
After gaining some traction, CBF hosted a showing of the Chasing Bubbles documentary in Alex's hometown of Seymour, IN, and announced locally and then globally the plans for restoring Bubbles to her former glory to be utilized as a tool for fulfilling foundation goals.
For the rest of October and into November, CBF kicked off The 53 Campaign. The number "53" was used to recognize Alex's jersey number on the Seymour High School football team nearly 20 years ago (a team that won an HHC championship). So, 53 spots were opened to the public to be the first to sail on S/V Bubbles in 2023 with a minimum donation of $250. The foundation was able to raise almost $13,000! And 53 new crew members joined the team!
These funds were used to buy a motor and mast for Bubbles, which were the two most critical parts of her restoration, as she lost her mast in Hurricane Irma, and the old motor was looking at over 8,000 hours of use since Matt Claycamp swapped the motor with Alex in Thailand (as seen in the Chasing Bubbles documentary). The 53 campaign is now working with Seymour Youth Athletics and the Boys & Girls Club to donate 53 footballs to encourage kids to chase their football dreams just like Alex.
December
Following the purchase of a mast and motor, Solomon and Matt went to St. Thomas, where S/V Bubbles is currently located. They were able to help swap the old engine for the new one. Several scouting trips were made, but a new mast wasn't able to be found until after they returned from their short trip.
The Future for The Chasing Bubbles Foundation
In 2023, the newly located mast is scheduled to be put in, and other smaller restorations to S/V Bubbles will continue. Plans for the 2023 Alex Rust Regatta are already ramping up (stay tuned!) and fundraising and outreach events are in the works.
As we wrap up the year, The Chasing Bubbles Foundation would like to express our extreme gratitude for every donation, helpful hand, and word of encouragement you have provided. Our work is just getting started and we are so excited to enable, with the help of all of you, children all over the world to chase their dreams! The next year is going to be very exciting and we're happy to have you along for the adventure!
