Fort Pierce Yacht Club, A Night in Havana

Fort Pierce Yacht Club Foundation Transforms the Waterfront with “Havana Nights” Fundraiser

to Support Maritime Career Expo

FORT PIERCE, FL - The Fort Pierce Yacht Club Foundation turned up the heat on Saturday, November 8
with its Havana Nights fundraiser, a sultry evening filled with Old Havana charm and Caribbean cool.
Guests were transported to a tropical paradise, complete with island rhythms and the rich aroma of
authentic Cuban cuisine by Mervis’ Café & Grill in Fort Pierce.
The dance floor swayed to the vibrant Cuban sounds of Leti Metcalfe and the Caribbean Grooves Quartet,
while partygoers competed for Best Dressed and Best Dance Couple honors. A lively photo booth and
dazzling décor added to the night’s island energy, creating a celebration that captured the true spirit of
Havana.
“Havana Nights is more than a great party, it’s the cornerstone of our fundraising efforts for Chart Your
Course,” said Marshall Pennell, Fort Pierce Yacht Club Foundation Chairperson. “The support we raise
here directly funds Chart Your Course, a program that gives St. Lucie Public School students the
opportunity to explore careers in the maritime and marine industries, learn from professionals, and begin
charting their own course toward a future on and around the water.”
All profits from Havana Nights support Chart Your Course, a Maritime and Marine Career Expo hosted
by the Fort Pierce Yacht Club Foundation in collaboration with St. Lucie Public Schools and local
maritime industry representatives. Through this program, 8 th – 11 th grade students, including youth from
Project LIFT in Fort Pierce, gain hands-on exposure to careers in the maritime, marine, and
environmental science fields. The goal is to inspire students to pursue related studies and build the skills
needed to become the next generation of marine industry professionals right here in Fort Pierce. Now in
its fourth year, this fundraiser helps sustain a program that has already impacted more than 300 St. Lucie
Public School students and approximately 30 Project LIFT participants over the past three years.
The Fort Pierce Yacht Club Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to its generous sponsors, whose support
made the event possible:
 Tango Level: Project Lift, Steve and Robynn Holland, Fort Pierce Yacht Club 
 Salsa Level: Harbinger Tours, Forest and Kathy Blanton, Ed and Diane Hyer, Steve and Ruth
Jaroski, Donna Speciale and Gary Bradford, Adele and Jeff Usher, Susan Garrett 
 Rumba Level: Nancy and Greg Ryder
Sponsorships are available for Chart Your Course, a Marine and Maritime Career Expo by visiting
www.fortpierceyachtclub.com/FPYC-Foundation or emailing [email protected].